Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1873-03-12
The ii idOW's Whim.

You know" said the widow, in voice
smothered with sobs, " the MISFORTUNE
here she applied delicate cambric hand.
kerchief to her eyes" the loss" She
could get no further.
Her visitor bowed, with an air of respect.
ful coincidence.
wish," continued the widow,
wish to erect monument to the memory
Of my poor husband. | have chosen you
to execute the order" She had become
somewhat calmer.
The sculptor bowed again.
81 wish this monument to be superb
worthy of the dear companion whom have
lost proportioued to my"
She was getting hysterica. Her visitor
handed her bottle of salts that stood con-
venient on the little work table.
The widow resumed. "Spare no expense.
| would willingly consecrate my whole for
tune to honor his memory"
A pause, which the sculptor hesitated to
break.
l should like" said the widow again,
coming to the point, " a temple, with
marble columns, and in the middle, upon a
pedestal, his statue" Here she swallowed
sob.
81 shall do my best to fulfil your wishes
ma'am," replied the man of art. 81 had
not, however, the honor Of knowing the
late Mr. Belair, and his likeness is indis.
pensable to the completion OF the design
Doubtless you have a portrait of him."
The widow raised hor rounded arm and
pointed to magnificent portrait, by one Of
our first artist.
"An admirable painting" said the visit.
or. 81 need not ask you if the resem,
blance be striking"
"lt is himself Life is all that is need
ed. All, if | could have given mine fol
his !" The handkerchief was again il
requisition.
81 will send for the portrait, ma am
and | guarantee the likeness shall be
exact"
"Send for the portrait !" cried the wild
ow, with stihed shrek stake from IN,
my only consolation, my only happiness
Never |"
"But, ma'am, it will only be for a It'll,
while"
"a little while An age How could
live without his dear image ? 1t quit
me neither day nor night contemplat,
it without ceasng, through my tears. Il
will never be removed out of this room
where shall pass the remainder Of mis-
cradle existence"
The widow had worked herself up tC
such pitch of feeling that the sculptor
rose to ring the bell for assistance. But
she laid white hand on his coat sleeve
and he sat down again.
"Then you will allow me, ma'am, tC
come here to take copy of il? Be no
alarmed--l shall not long invade your sol
itude A single sitting will suffice"
The widow agreed to this arrangement
and requested the sculptor to commence th'
nextday. But he had previous order tc
execute. She would have leveled the DIFF
iiculty with gold, but be stood firm,
"My word is pledged he said "do not
however, be troubled about the delay.
will work SO diligently that the monument
shall be finished within the time that anoth
er artist would have requested for consider
alton"
"You have been witIess Of my sor
row. we're the widows parting words--"yot
may imagine my impatience to see the worl
completed Make your best haste spar,
no expense, and let me have q master
piece"
He had afterwards several letters repeat
ing these injunctions.
At the end of three mouths the sculpto
returned. He found the widow still in tn,
deepest mourning, but her check was les
pale, and there was slight tinge of co
quetry in the arrangement OF her words.
"Now ma'am," said the victim, IL am a
your disposal
"Ah well, l am glad to hear it," re
piled the widow, with gracious smile.
~ have sketched the statue and shal
only need one sitting to transfer the re
semblance. Permit me to enter your bou
doir."
"And whcrciore2" inquired the widow
with an air Of surprise.