The Andrew County Republican. [volume] (Savannah, Mo.) 1871-1876, 1876-05-04
THE TWIN PORTRAITS.

A rising artist. So Gilbert Lawson
was called, but only by Il small circle of
his especial friends. Otherwise he was
entirely unknown to fame. But he was
hopeful. Once he saw IN eagle leave
its nest, and soar up high towards the
sun, while its unfeathered young flut-
tered, but remained behind unable to
follow. lie felt that it was much the
same with himself-the struggles would
strengthen his p~inions, and he would in
time be able to ascend the great ladder
of fame. And so he toilcd increasingly.
For some months he had been en-
gagged upona portrait. He had found
his model in a young girl, perhaps
twelve years of age. He had first seen
her in the streets, and she was a beg
gar, or the next thing to it.-she was a
street-singer. When her voice first fell
upon his ears it thrilled him, for it was
wildly beautiful. He knew that voice
tremblcd. lie saw her hand rs it was
extended to receive the pitiful coin
dropped into it, and lie observed that
this trembled also, and that it was very
tiny and delicate. Then he looked upon
her face.
Her eyes were of heavenly blue, but
wore n 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 rs
yet especially noticed that beauty.
When he explained to her his wish, her
face became radiant with pleasure,
which lent it an additional charm.
The picture was completed and the
artist sat gazing on it. He could scarce
ly decide which he loved the best-the
original or the semblance. But, drop.
ping curtain before his work, he arose,
and walked to the window, gazing into
the street. A sigh escaped him, and so
absorbed were his thoughts that he did
not observe the entrance of u second
party until a hand was placed on hi,
shoulder, and Il voice said, colbert, |
have called to see yosr work, as | prom,
ised you"
The artist blushed and even trembled
and as he lifted the covering remarked
"Mr. Byrd, my fate depends upon ,
few words you will speak now. | hav,
thrown my whole soul into this picture
and l am every thing or nothing. Yol
are an old painter-speak candidly-
tell me just what you think
1t vas some moments before tn,
young man raised his eyes, and thel
only when attracted by the long-contin
ued silence Of his friend. When he di,
so he saw that Mr.. Byrd was pale n
death, had sunk into a chair and tina
he trembled violently. He sprung to hi
side with a cup of water, and when tn
old man had partially recovered, h,
asked, "What, in the name of heaven
is the matter with you, my friendp"
"Where is your model-who is you
modelP" gasped Byrd.
All was explained, and then the oil
man continued:
"Take your painting; come with m
to my house"
Gilbert followed his old friend, an
he entered a superb mansion in du
time, and was then taken direct to tn
studio. His own picture was place
beside another, and it was the youn
mans turn to start in surprise, for her
were two portraits exactly alike wit
the exception of the dress.
Mr.. Byrd now said, "Be seated, CT
bort, and ! will tell you a secret whic
has never been breathed to mortal ma
before. Twenty years ago l painted tn
likeness of my only daughter, and IL
picture you see before you. She W,
then ten years of age; she is now thirt,
and still with me-"
"May not this be her child-th
model of minep"
"Listen. At the age of nineteen n
daughter did as many a good girl h,
done before her-she married, witho,
my knowledge, one who was to me .
entire stranger and nearly so to he
That husband proved to be a villain, #
In two years after, he forsook he
More than this--he took with him a Il
tie daughter by the name Of Graci
The blow nearly killed the mother al
even time has never healed the woun
l have made every effort to trace O
the man, and u darling, b
in vain. l gained such informatio
however, that | was satisfied he b,
died miserably in a distant town, al
we have given little Oracle up as forev
lost. Now you can account for my O,
tation wh'n first saw your paintin
q you notp"
~ can divine your thoughts"
"Nht is the name Of your model