Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1882-07-14
"a MYSTERIOUS COMMISSION"
An Interesting story of n Thrilling In
Ident in AN Artists Life.
julius Magnus In our ContInent.l

An Interesting story of n Thrilling ln-
ident In An Artists Lite.
julius Magnus in Our Contuen,.l
1t was almost dusk, on winter after
noon, when l was sitting in my studio
wondering if, after all, l had not been n
fool in believing | was ever destined to
make living as an artist. My dear old
father-a small manufacturer of silks Mt
Lyons-had spared all that was possible
from his savings to give me an art educa-
ton in Paris. | had entered myself as
pupil Mt the Academic and had been most
diligent student ut the life classes. There
the rapdity 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 homc---I sought to fill my
pockets by selling pictures to the minor
dealers. They gave me little encourage
ment nil 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 receive three-fourths of the
purchase money. Day after day called
to enquire if keen discerner of unrecog-
nized genius had found out the merit of
my work. The same statement was always
made to me-"a gentleman had looked Mt
it and promised to call again" But the
mysterious promisers never did return.
While was meditatinB on my gloomy
prospects heard low knock at the door.
| rose and opened it. The gentleman who
stood outside was tall and thin and dressed
in black or very dark clothes--in the dim
light could not to which.
IN. Paul Godin ?" he inquired.
''Yes, monsieur. Will you not do me
the favor to enter?"
He bowed and passed in.
81 must apologize for asking you into II
dark room," | said, MS | moved toward the
table ON which stood lamp. 81 had al
most fallen asleep in the twilight"
'Pray do not light the lamp; my eyes
are weak, and what l have to say to you
| can say better rs we are"
My curiosity was thoroughly aroused.
My visitor was evidently a gentleman his
manner and accent proclaimed that. In
his voice there was sadness which ut
once evoked sympathy.
''As you will, monsieur. Towhom have
the honor of spcaking?'
81 do not wish to give my name; l am
here on business that can be transacted
without disclosing it. l must ask you to
excuse the customary formality.'
l bowed and pointed to chair. My
visitor took it, paused moment as if
thinking he should begin, then spoke
quickly, almost abruptly, rs if he was
anxious to lose as little time as posi-
BILE:
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 figure
painted tonight"
''To-night ~ | exclaimed.
Eyes. by candlelight. and it must be
done before daylight tomorrow morning
that is, in the rough you can finish ii
here afterward. The subject is a strange
one, and the conditions on which | shall
give the commission are that you submit
to be taken to and brought from my house
blindfolded ; that you shall not ask any
questions that You shall never tell any
one what you may see there that you
shall never show any one the picture you
paint or reveal its subject; and that if you
should ever meet me after tonight you
shall make no sign of recognition. know
that these are startling conditions, but
am willing to pay literally. Twill pay you
one thousand francs now and another thou
sand when / send for the finished picture
DO You accept?'
For the moment was stunned. Her,
was what seemed to be fortune PLACED
suddenly within my grasp. The condi
tions We're certainly startling" but wal
piqued me. 1t seemed rs if l had sud
denly been transported back to the day
of the Tour de Nesle, to which Marguerit,
de Valois summoned her lovers, who ar
rived blindfolded and were borne AVA,
dead by the silent waters. If some sucl
tragedy was in store for me / was poo
enough and desperate enough to take al
the chances.
"Well," said he somewhat impatiently
''do you accept?"
"Var ~soi.Si.ui.
Good Here are one thousand francs.
81 will give You receipt"
at is not necessary. Now gather you
materials and select the largest canvas 20,
have here"
I got together what was needed.
Il am ready, monsieur"
"Then you must allow me to blindfol,
you. Give me your handkerchief. There
Does that hurt you?"
mo"
My hat was fortunately n soft one. fl
turned the brim down 30 as to conceal tn
fact that my eyes were covered.
"Now follow me to the carriage, ant
remember, NJ. Godin, trust to you
honor as n gentleman to fulfill all tn
conditions l imposed"
1T was with no little difficulty that
managed to descend the stairs with m,
load. At the landings the stranger tool
hold of an elbow and gently guided me
AS we passed into the street my compan
ion spoke in whisper to some one VIII
was evidently waiting for him.
l was then put into II carriage an,
driven rapidly away, but 80 many turn
were made that l could not determine il
what direction we were going. Some on
was sitting by my side. l presumed
was my visitor, but he did not seem in
clined to speak, and I had plenty to oc
cupy my thoughts, Where was I beinl
taken, and for what purpose? The NOR
Ipondered the more uneasy l became
My only comfort lay in the certainty tina
had thousand francs in my pocket.
After while the carriage stopped an,
was told to get out. Some one took m,
arm and led me up flight of steps, thel
alung hall, then up staircase and final
ly along a corridor. l Judged from tn
height and width of the staircase, whicl
was Of stone or marble, and the rich car
peting of the passage or corridor, that
was in grand mansion.
"Sit down, M. Godin. THERE'S chat
Immediately behind you. When you hea
me close the door of this room you ma,
uncover your eyes and begin work. Yol
are to paint precisely as it is the-what i
lying on that bed. You must finish be
fore five o'clock tomorrow morning
When you are ready to go away you mus
rebandage your eyes, then sound bel
you will find on the table. A person will
come and conduct you to your studio. II
ten or twelve DAYS l will send for the pic