Connecticut western news., 1876-03-24
THE TWIN PORTRAITS

A rising artist So Gilbert Lawson was called, but only by small circle o1 his especial friends. Otherwise he was entirely unknown to fame. But he was hopeful. Once. he saw an eagle leave its nest, and soar up high towards the sun, while it's unfeathered young futtered, but remained behind unable to follow. He felt that it was much the same with himself-that struggles would strength en his pinions, and he would in time be able to ascend the great ladder of fame. And so he toiled increasingly.
 For some monthshe had been engaged upon 8 portrait. He had found his model in young girl, perhaps twelve years of age. He had first seen her in the streets, and she was beggar, or the next thing to it-she was street singer. When her voice first fell upon his ears it thrilled him, for it was wildly beauti- ful. He knew that voice trembled. He saw her hand as it was extended to re, ceive the pitiful coin dropped into it, and he observed that this trembled also, and that it was very tiny and deli cate. Then he looked upon her face.
 Her eyes were of heavenly blue, but wore sad expression and were down cast. Her golden hair fell in tangled masses over her shoulders-indeed, she was beautiful, although no one but the young and enthusiastic painter had as yet especially noticed that beauty. When he explained to her his wish, hel face became radiant with pleasure, which lent it an additional charm.
 The picture was completed and the artist sat gazing on it. He could scare ly decide in his own mind which he loved the best-the original or the sem blance. But, dropping curtain before the work, he arose, and walked to the window, gazing into tho street. A sigl escaped him, and so absorbed were his thoughts that he didnot observe the en. trance of second party until a hand was placed on his shoulder, and voice said "Gilbert, have called to see your work, as promised you"
 The artist blushed and even trembled and as he lifted the covering, remarked MT. Byrd, my fate depends upon { few words which you will speak now. have thrown my whole soul into this picture, and I am everything or noth 4uRs AOu dI0 dA O1Sl D11AUSI-SD6hk candidly-ten me just what you think.
 It was some moments before the young man raised his eyes, and then only whe1 attracted by the long continued silence of his friend. When he did so he saw that MT. Byrd was pale as death, ha6 sunk into chair and that he tremblec violently. He sprung to his side with { cup of water, and when the old man haG partially recovered, he asked: |" What in the name of Heaven, is the mattel with you, my friend9"
 "Where is your model a-who is you model 2" gasped Byrd.
 All was explained, and then the olt man continued:
 ."Take your painting; come with m' to my house.
 Gilbert followed his old friend, an, 1 he entered 0 superb mansion in du, 1 time, and was then taken direct to tn studio. His own picture was placed be side another, and it was the young man turn to start in surprise, for here wa. two portraits exactly alike with the ex ception of the dress.
 MT. Byrd now said: "Be seated Gilbert, and I will tell you secre which has never been breathed to morta man before. Twenty years ago painte. the likeness of my only daughter, ant the picture that you see before you She was then ten years of age she i now thirty, and still with me-"
 "May not this be her chld-thi model of mine?"
 "Listen. At the age of nineteen m, daughter did as many good girl ha l hot h0r, e,t my knowledge, one who was to me al entire stranger, and nearly so to her That husband proved to be villain, fo1 in two years after, he forsook her. Nor than this-he took with him daughte by the name of Oracle. The blow nearl killed the mother and even time ha never healed the wound. I have mad every effort to trace out the man, an recover our darling, but in vain. gained such information, however, tha l was satisfied he had died miserable i a distant town, and we have given littl Gracie up as lost forever. Now you ca account for my agitation when I frs saw your painting, can you not?' ! T can divine your thoughts"
 "What is the name of your model ?
 "I only know her as Katie, the stree singer"
 "You know where she can be found |?
 "Yes."
 'sLet us go for her at once."
 In two hours after, the little begga entered the splendid saloon of the Byr mansion. She was bewildered, for she ha never gazed upon so much elegance be fore, except as she had seen it from tn streets through the closely curtaine windows. Her confidence was soon re stored, however, by the kind treatmen she received, and then she was conduct ed to the study.
 As ner eyes fell upon the pictures she stood motionless for 8 time, an then said: "Why, you have painte two pictures of me, instead of one, MI Gilbert"
 Yes-would you not like a copy ?
 "Oh, so much!" she answered, he eyes becoming brilliant in anticipation
 You shall have one of them. Whic do you prefer9" r.. ....
 "This, I feel as if I could love it !''- and the young creature knelt before tn mother, while tears filled her eyes.
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