The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-03-20

at work, each confident of success. Not a
word OF this had Jules breathed to his
sister, but each time she was absent taking
back her work and taking the orders Of
Mile. de Bastian, Jules had stolen an hour
from his labor, and had been moving heaven
and earth to obtain place for his statue
at the grand institution that was to give
to some one fortune and fame. AT
last Jules succeeded, SO far as to persuade
the committee to come and see his work
which visit was to be paid the day before
the exhibition. Still did Jules keep silent,
fearing to disappoint his patient little sis.
ter, but hope was high in his heart, and he
could scarce restrain his impatience. Even
as he lay asleep on the sofa he was dream
ing Of the fast approaching day which was
to make his fortune or ruin his ambition.
After working steadily for two hours
Mirelle ceased, took of her apron, washed
her hands, and seated herself at her sew
ing, which was to replace BY her own
embroidery flower, which had been torn
out BY some aristocratic foot in pumps OF
patent boots. Through habit Jules woke
himself within fifteen minutes after the two
hours had expired.
"Late as usual, Mirellc ?n he exclaimed,
sprlnging to his feet, and preparing to take
the place Mirelle had just vacated.
I" wish we could see the termination Of
this two years labor" sighed Mirelle.
Signs of impatience that is bad
Mirelle, within three weeks of the com
pletion Of our work." said Jules, anxiously
"Our work is not complete until 1t has
found purchascr-one that will pay sum
large enough to allow you to study as you
wish, and to travel and see all that can be
seen in connection with your art"
Sand where is Mirelle while her brother
is spending all the money!" said Jules,
between strokes of his mallet.
"At home, ready in her turn-which
will come at the sale of your next statue,
to travel where you have traveled-to see
and study all you have seen and studied"
Ibid | travel the world over, see and
study everything, it would avail me nought
unless you travelled with me, and | could
see your dear face and study to make you
happy" aiIectionately said Jules, leaving
his work and embracing his sister.
"The sacrifice to be away from you
would be great one, and as we have not
found the purchaser yet, We will dismiss
the painful subject"
81 will dismiss the subject on condition
that you cease to work at that nonsense y
"This nonsense, Jules cost what 10 Us
would be fortune. must have il done,
as Mile. de Bastian WISHES TO wear Il Al
some exhibition that is to conc OF in tvo
weeks, and have quantities to- do Coz th
occasion besides this.n
can exhibition in two weeks, ? repstio
Jules, resuming his work.
"Yes-of pictures, think, eanslessly
replied Mirelle.
"What kind of a person Is Nile. de B1s
tlan 2" asked Jules.
"What an odd question. JULES 20,
never spoke of her before"
"That don't answer my question
Mirelle.n
"She is beautiful enough to be stuy
for your next statue if you will callit
yenus.n
"But from what springs her beaut :
from the heart and brain, or from millirsrs'
paint and powder Z"
From the heart, | am sure. Wre |
equal to her would have her by me-love
her and be as devoted to her as to
sister,"
"She is valuable jewel in an odd stting,
and wonder she is still mademoisele."
"She is not going to be marriel, or |
should have been kept busy with other
work than this"
81 hope she won't change be mind
about the exhibition"
"And wherefore Z"
81 should not like her to, afteryou had
strained your eyes over that lace.
"You are odd, Jules, in your rmarks."
"Eccentricity of genius, Mirele, laugh
ingly replied Jules, dropping t,e curtain
and shutting himself up with BIS work as
was his wont whenever his thoghts wan
dered from it.
Mirelle continued to sew, fnished her
work, put it carefully away, aid occupied
herself in arranging the room, 'hlch, in her
absence, Jules contrived to Hit in dread
full disorder. Jules worked fr some hours,
then he ceased, to partake d his late din
ner. and after that he tookuis customary
walk Of half an hour with Direlle; return
ing he resumed his work md listened to
ali the praises and encouragement which
came from the heart Of hissister. And in
that regular way passed he two weeks,
all but one day, and that day the one on
which the committee we're to pass their
Judgment on Judith and Holofernes.
Mirelle was absent, and Jules sat awaiting
his judges; they came ate, and one at a
time; but theyall came and to the seven
who numbered the committee Jules un-
vailed his Treasure. For some minutes
silence reignsi, and then, with one accord,
the seven iutges turned and extended their
hands to Jtes.
The prDcipal then said: "Your work
shall have the most prominent position in
the exhibition, and | would not hesitate to
give vC1 the fifty thousand francs this
momenj; there is a new era in your art
Won b,Ie commenced it, and with you it
viIl cd. Your name, you please"