The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1882-07-15
"A MYSTERIOUS COMMISSION. y


1t was almost dusk. on a wintry after.
noon, when was sitting in my studio
wondering if, after all, / had not been a
fool in believing was ever destined to
make living as an artist. My dear old
father-a small manufacturer of silks at
Lyons-had spared all that was possible
from his savings to give me an art edu-
cation in Paris. had entered myself as
a pupil at the Academic and had been a
most diligent student at the life classes.
There the rapidity with which | worked,
and the general correctness of drawing,
and truth of color in my sketches, earned
for me much praise, When my funds
were almost eXhausted-and knew that
except under the most urgent necessity
must not ask for more from home-I
sought to fill my pockets by selling pict-
ures to the minor dealers. They gave
me but little encouragement; all that the
most favorable was willing to do was to
put picture in his window and try to
dispose of tin which case was to re-
ceive 81 three-fourths of the purchase
money. Day after day | called to in
quire if keen discerner of unrecognized
genius had found out the merit of my
work. The same statement was always
made to me-"a gentleman had looked
att and promised to call again" But the
mysterious promisers never did return.
While was meditating on my gloomy
prospects l heard low knock at the
door. l rose and opened it. The gen
tleman who stood outside was tall and
thin and dressed in black or very dark
clothes-in the dim light l could not
tell which. ...... ....... ..
IN. Paul Godin?'' he inquired.
eyes, monsieur. Will you not do me
the favor to enter?"
He bowed and passed in.
-1must apologize for asking you into
dark room," | said, as moved toward
the table ON which stood lamp. Il
had almost fallen asleep in the twi-
light" ''
pray do not light the lamp; my eyes
are weak, and what have to say to you
l can say better as we are" -'.oi ~.
My curiosity was thoroughly aroused
My visitor was evidently a gentleman
his manner and accent proclaimed that.
In his voice there was a sadness which
at once evoked sympathy.
''As YOU will, monsieur To whom
have 1.-the honor of speaking?"
Il dOnot wish to give my name; am
here on business that can be transacted
without disclosing it. must ask you t.
excuse the customary formality.'
bowed and pointed to chair M,
visitor took it, paused a moment as i
thinking how he should begin, ther
spoke quickly, almost abruptly, as if h,
was an Nious to lose as little time as pos
sibIe: H+'a 't+"r
I'M. Godin, / have been told by some
one who knows you well--no matter who
that you can paint from life with great
quickness and accuracy. want fig.
ure painted tonight. :"
''To-Eight!' / exclaimed. li.
"Yes, by candlelight, and it must be
done before daylight tomorrow morn
ing; that is, in the rough; you can finisE
it here asfterward. The subject is 8
strange one, and the conditions on which
L shall give the commissions are: tina
you submit to be taken to and brought
from my house blindfolded; that yor
shall not ask any questions; that vol
Shdii HCNCh ts7il ttlIy Oue WHdJ YOU may
ssee there; that you shall never show an
zone the picture you paint or reveal it
subject; and that if you should ever NEE
me after Tonight you shall make no sgl
of recognition. / know that these ar
startling conditions, but am willing t,
pay literally. q will pay you one thou
sand francs now and another thousand
whom / send for the finished picture. DE-
youieceeptP' lmh' o' "'7'i" l-'.' +
kOr the moment wasstunned. Hen
was what seemed to be a fortune placed
suddenly within nay grasp. The condi
tiOns were certainly startling" but
was young, had mo- fear ind the mys
terry pigaed me. 1t seemed :as if / ha,
suddenly been transported back to tn
days OF the Tour de Nesle. 10 whicl
Marguerite de. Valois summ0ued hel
lovers, who arrived blindfolded and wer
korne away dead by the silent waters
If some suehtragedy wasin store for m,
1was ,poorenough and desperate enough
to take all the chances. ......, .... ....,I
We'll, said he somewhat impatient
ly. ado you acceptP'' 10000 "'. .tA'H
81 Yes, monsieur" .IiH ii ,raIIHfu.
IL Good ! Here are one thousanC
francs.'' ....l., .,..... a.. AIMS.
" will give you receipt"
IT is not necessary, Now gathe-