The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1880-05-18
THE DAILY STAR
Bertie's Chef-D'Guvre.

restless behavior in the studio we shared
together attracted my attention from
the canvas / was painting. "lf you so
on in this fashion, Pll swear you are ex-
cited at having lord for a patron" .
"Patron9 He is no supporter OF mine, "
calculated Bertie. "He asked me to
paint his wife's portrait; refused. He
pressed me; accepted" =.
"Reason in that; none in the trst,
said l. 'Lord Weston is rich, OF your
own country, and might be a good
friend. Why did you refuse?'
"Because-1 hate him"
The words came from Berries lips
with harshness which showed how Bit
ter was his enmity.
"What's the matter with the many l
exclaimed.
"Hark," he said abruptly interrupt
ing. "There goes eleven"
"Then Pm off," | remarked; "for
that's the hour Lord and Lady Weston
have appointed for their sitting"
Bertie suddenly turned toward me.
'Grayling," he said, earnestly, "do me
favor. Remain"
"Willingly, my boy" l laughed, ''for
they say his lordship's young wife is
worth looking at. But his lordship him
self may find me lie lrop."
"What is Lord Weston to me-" he
said, scornfully, "This is our studio, not
his. But hush! They are here"
The door opened as he spoke, and our
servant ushered in Bertie's august visit
Ors.
Making my bow, retreated behind
my easel. But what had come over
BERTHE? He stood, looking wondrously
handsome, in his black velvet artist
blouse, but almost as motionless as
death; whi e he seemed to lean his hand
on his easel for support. The next
moment, however, he moved quickly
forward, received his guests with con-
straint most unusual in him, and mo-
toned them to the places prepared.
As they seated themselves, l took the
opportunity Of examining them. Lord
Weston Was a dignifed, aristocratic man
Of over fifty; Lady Weston scarcely
twenty-five, and one of the loveliest
women, /, all artist, had ever looked
upon in life or on canvas. The sole draw
back was an almost transparent texture
of her cololless features.
Gracefully inclining to BERTHE, she
moved to the sitter's chair; but she ut
tered no word, nor once looked at him.
My presence having been apologized
for, under II plea that | had to finish my
picture for the Academy, the sitting
commenced. During it, appeared en-
gagged with my own work; but, in reality,
occupied with Berthe. What was the
matter? He had taken so little pains
with the pose of his subject that Lord
Weston had interposed, and Indifferent
". BERTHE accepted vic t.iv suggestions, Be,
sides this, from where / stood, saw his
hand was trembling violently, while the
lines he was making on the canvas
would have discredited two-year old
student Neither did he often glance at
his subject, and then but rapidly and
with indefinite purpose.
What was making my friend so utter
iy unlike himself?
The moments passed. Lord Weston
talked for the three. His wife never
opened her lips. BERTHE scarcely spoke
in more than monosyllables, until rising
abruptly. in low, hard voice, he said
"Excuse me, my lord, Lady Weston is
faint. / fear the studio-the smell Of
paint-has overpowered her."
1t was so. Lady Weston had fallen
back in her chair in swoon. All was
confusion; restoratives were procured,
lending my aid, for Berthe stood almost
rudely apart.
'There is a mystery here" reflected
"Will BERTHE tell it?''
When Lady Weston had recovered
sufficiently to descend to her carriage
her husband proposed that, as the fain
amell of oils made her ladyship i'll, Ber
tie should finish the portrait at his lord
ships own house. BERTHE instantly ant
firmly refused. He declared that h,
could not spare the time; but added tina
his memory was so good that the ON
sitting Lady Weston had given would b.
sufficient for him to complete the por
trait.
Was he mad? / am certain Lord Yves
ton thought so. | know he did.
"My lord" said BERTHE, quietly, I'll
three weeks you shall see this picture.
make myself answerable that it shal
~;va a. t;eia acti,,N ~
Bowling, he drew back, aud coolly lef
me to conduct the visitors down stairs
When l returned, found the old can
vas flung aside, and my friend hard a
work on new one, with all the grac
and boldness of touch which had mad
him renowned.
"Bertie," / said, standing by him
"What is the meaning of all this? l re
fer 10 your behavior just now?''
The hatred Of PATRONAGE he ans
wered, sharply.
"Nonsense! There is a mystery be
tween you and Lady Weston"
"What?' he exclaimed, finging dow
his brush; "you have found it out7 We'll
listen; / don't see why / should not tel
you. Two years ago Lady Weston wa
simply Lucie Lester, 4 clergyman