Smyrna times., 1881-03-02
Her Sister.

her Sister.
world within q world is Paris. Its life
is complex, strangely blended, varied in
its light and shade, and full of myIiads ef
events that come and go, leaving their
stamp on human hearts, casting their
shadow for all eternity. Men die, but how
often do their deeds live after them, coil. |
ing around the living like serpents of fire,
hardening the heart while killing the soul |
Like flowers found anOng weeds, so do the
good dwell mid the evil; and as life is |
varied, SO is human nature distinctive and |
full of contrasts.
1t was in the month Of December, in the
| year IS, that Bertha Surbier, a woman
young in years but old in sadness, reached
Paris. She had come from Dion, and was
in search Of a sister who had been tenp pied
from her home. Weeks had glided by
since her arrival in the gay capital, and
yet no tIdings had been cleaned. One
morning Mademoiselle Sorbier left the
quiet lodgings where she had taken up
her abode. She had heard that in the
Rue Notre Dame de Lorette there was
a studio in which a portrait of singular
beauty was exhibited. and, awakened to
interest by the description accorded, she
concluded to visit the artist.
On reaching the house to which she had
been directed, shs was at once shown into
the studio Of the painter and the first Oh
irct that attracted her attention was the
picture in question. 1t seemed almost as
; Though the breath of life parted the full
lips, and love spoke from the dark beauti.
full eyes, so exquisitely was all portrayed
upon the canvas. Tears filled the eyes OF
i. Berthe Sorbier, Cor in the portrait, a mas.
terpiece of art, she recognized the face of
the sister she had lost.
] "Tell your MASTER" she said, addressing
] the servant, who regarded with curiosity
e her evident interest in the picture, "that a
4 lady desires to speak to him.
i The man bowed, and Mademoisells Sor.
n bier was left alone with her thoughts; but
only few MINUTES elapsed before ths dOsl
q was again opened, and the artist entered.
y 81 am a stranger in Paris, monsieur,
!. she said, endeavOring to control her eme
tion. "Your beautiful picture has i'm
e mission. That portrait resembles one dea
i to me, one vino has been unfortunate
g. Will you tell me the name Of the lady ?"
% " can not" responded the artist.
1t know nothing beyond the fact that
ID painted the picture. 1t waS ordered, bu
never paid for. BY the way" he added
OF have al'o the portrait Of the gentleman
to who brought the young girl to my studio.
I'd "Will you show it to me p questions
ty his listener, eagerly.
x; Certainly" responded the artist, an
ct crossing the room he produced the canva
I'd "You do not know the name Of tn
of 6 -ntlrman p she said, turning to her con
a p.nion,
in "Oh, yes, madamoiselle; this is the pc
les trait Of the Marquis de Varvills," respol
del the artist; land if the current repo
'i be true, the lady whose picture paints
en- wa. none other than his mistress"
d No further information could be glsane
he but Ma,leinoselle SOrbier had heard suf
ia oisnt to gain clew. Maurice de Varvil
to had been suspected by her of having d
ne Q lived her sister, and, although alone and
I'm stranger in Paris, she resolved to find hiE
de For several hours Bertha fingered in Il
RE Notre Dame de Lorstte. She aeems
impelled by sone unseen power to remain
but at length, weary and listless, shs e
ro' tered restaurant, but had scarcely seat,
ng herself when a servant in livery appear,
rs' and approached the desk. Having Civ,
lis, several orders, he inquired of the waiter
to he knew of any femme dc chamber who q
as sired situation.
re- For madame 2" inquired the man.
tbs "0h, no, not for my Mistress respond
ort the listener; "for Madame de Sernag
'er' who is i'll. The marquis told me to I
quire."
A sudden impulse induced Mademoise
ing sorbier to apply for the position, and
not though look of surprise greeted the
pm- quest, the address was given and Bert
leir bidden TO call without delay.
hat On reaching her destination Maiden
,on- selle Sorbisr found herself in sumptuC
now residence. and was led through a suite
one riohly.furnishsd apartments to the boud
Of Madame dc Sernages, and as she rail-
her eyes Berthe recognized the object
8 us her search.
aen. Have you applied sor the position
res femme Dc ckambsr ?" Questioned Mada
e q seFnages, listlessly.
lFsd Occupied by sad thoughts, Berthe fai
with TO accord an answer. The words we're
% of peated.
ims "How strangely yoa look at me-" adj
her hostess.
You are surrounded, madame, b.
own, much that is beautiful" responded
Still, listener, svasivsly, @sf
More charmed than annoyed By