Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1880-08-28

a MYSTERIOUS MoDEL-On my re
tuIn from Europe, says correspondent
OF the Kansas City Times, | became n
member of the Artistic League in New
York city and had a studio next 10
Hartley, the sculptor. While looking
about for n model heard OF lady who
had the reputation OF having a wonder
fully fine figure, and who would DO apt
to be willing TO serve as model, since
she was very poor and out ot employ
ment. sent her request IN call at
my studio. She did so, accompanied by
friend, a lady petite in figure, but
with lovely face. The lady | had
sent my card to ;old me she had just
found employment, and could not,
therefore, serve me. but her friend,
whom she introduced rs Mrs. Wood,
had consented TO act rs model for me,
provided she proved satisfactory. |
told Mrs. Wood that it was customary
for artists TO inspect their models before
engaging their services; would she re-
tire TO the ante room and remove her
apparel Sho aaid she would return
tho next day and submit TO the inspco
ton. Next day she returned, looking
very pale and nervous. She evidently
dreaded the ordeal Of appearing in the
nude state. lIartly Was in the studio
with me, and we spoke kindly to her
and bade her dismiss her agitation.
When she stepped out Of tho ante.room
she presented picture that was a feast
TO our eyes; We agreed that she was one
OF the most perfectly formed creatures
we lad ever seen. Her neck, should
ers, torso and limbs were models Of
themselves, while her face, in woman
ly sweetness and artistic regularity
was matchlcss. When she had once
more a,tired herself told her IL would
be week before ! would be able IN
give her employment When sbo
heard this her eyes filed with tears.
| saw there was some grief troubling
her. | asked her if she was suffering;
if she needed money. Then she told
her story; she was the wife OF gentle
man who for several years had been
correspondent of tho New York Herald
in Europe; his henl.h had become i'm
paired; he had returned home and was
now lying sick in bed at their boarding
place Tney were very poor and the
wife had determined 20 do something
for their support. She wcpt as she told
mc her story, and ] saw that sho was
sincere. | gave her $40 an loan and
sent her with note Of introduction 10
Church, the artist, knowing that no
would give her employment in his
young ladies' class. | was successful
in my efforts. Church was delighted
with her figure, and for some time sbo
made 81 day losing as n model be-
fore the ladies' class. She retained her
nom dc plume Of Mrs. Wood, and her
identity was never discovered. Tho
ladies tried in every way 10 discover
who she was, but never succeeded.
She always appeared before them in
nude state, ana after her studies she
would slip into her room and dress and
steal out Of the bnilding surrep.iliously.
She became popular model and con-
tinued 10 earn large competence till
her husband got well and was able 10
renew york. Then she retired from
the field as a model Her husband
knew bow she bad made money during
his illness, but he never mentioned il 20
me; his gratefu'ness, however, for my
favor was manifested in Thousand
delicate ways. You would be surprised
10 hear his name. lie is q writer wdl
known iu New York.