The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1874-03-21
CHRTER II.
cLARENs rHURSroN .

Rome, magniticst imperial Rome, the
scene Of triumphsf art, nature and arms,
over apparently andy insurmountsble
obstacles, from thsoeginning of the pres
ent century, becap the Mecca Of many
American amateur and devotees of art.
Previous to thattime other countries
poured into the " Of the seven hills q
full complement obculptOrs, students and
painters, but Ameca had a. yet furnished
but few visitors oBtudents of the art di-
vine.
Among those vi, during the third de-
cade Of the prese century. dwelt in the
home OF the gresst masters the world
ever knew, were half-dosen American
amateur artists, wpm zeal for their art or
the wealth Of amtious parents had sent
here to foster and Ing to perfection the ar
tistic developmenthey seemed to possess.
Banded together { account of their na-
tivity and similar in taste, these Ameri-
cans had engaged lgings and studios in q
single building, here they indolently
painted, wrote veEs, and watched indif-
ferel.siy the days by towards the com
pletion of their tm of voluntary ex -
triation.
Among these asts, at the date Of our
story, were two WI whom we have much
to do, and to who conversation Al they
sit gazing out up the lOungers in the
streets below, from open window, while
they idly enjoy th cigars, we shall listen.
The taller and ynger Of the two, whom
his companion signated ~ Clarence
Thurston, was siitly gazing upon the
scene below, whenis companion startled
him by heavy yaw and the abrupt excla-
nation:
L" say, Thurstc you're decidedly dull,
tonight. What's matter
The artist sighe,ightly, IS he resumed
his cigar, and tusd his gaze upon bis
companions face.
Nothing, Paubnly have been think
ing of home tod and received letter
from there this nning. Good news, too;
but | feel impred with q shadow Of
fear. believe impressions, do you
not r.
His dark eyed mpanion, Paul Rivers,
laughed curiOusly twinkle Of amusement
in his eye.
"Oh, yes," held, watching the effect
Of his words frouander his long eyelash
20, Il believe impressions. Only you
seem to feel themore heavily than do.
Now there was tlCOuntess Tutti, l was
struck by her, buioW why, old boy, you
were fairly ravingout her; wrote verses,
painted portraits, ID watched her move
ments like q cat.And all this, with no
encouragement bA smile of gratitude
when you picked rher glove at the opera
one night.
Clarence Thurm's face had been
growing steadily wte m Rivers spoke. A
sudden tremor of p crossed his features,
and his cigar droed from his fingers he
buried his face his hands, while his
companion somewt astonished, and mot
little grieved, she effect of his words,
laid hls hand gem upon the young art
ist's arm, and sai6ftly-
Pardon, dear lend, / did not mean
TO wound your fengs, or cause you one
moment pain. Inn even mysti6ed to
know how the msion of that woman's
name could effect a 10. What in she to
you more than"
"Thurston rnia hls face with depre-
cAtory movement his head, and rising,
he said, in tremns tones, fearful with
emotion
Come 10 myoOm, Paul, and l will
ask your sdvicend tell you the whole
reason Of my esiOn. You have never
Jet betrayed . nfdenee, and 4 cannot
} withhold from , what / am about TO
tell. nor rsfrainDm seeking your advice
| on subject Of al Importance to me,
J and % he spokspe twain left the seat by
the window, anhs room which ~as one
IN general uss q reading room By the
srtisss, and rsRsd 10 thas occupied by
; Thuruton.
"Paal, he 4 % they ssassd thsm-
n salvss hy the To- eho passon addsaassd