The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1882-08-09
4 MYSTERIOUS COMMISSION.

: IL was uGoA. Oii q "ihtl y
afternoon. when | was sitting in my
studio wondering if, after all, / had
not been fool in believing | was
ever destined to make a living as an
artist. NY dear old father-a small
manufacturer Of silks at Lyons -
I had spared all that was possible
/ from his savings to give me an art
education in Paris. had entered
myself as a pupil at the Academic
and had been "A most diligent stu
dent 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
nv 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 pictures 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 lt-in which
case ! was TO receive three-fourths
of the purchase money. Day after
day | called to inquire if keen dis
cerner of unrecognized genius had
found out the merit OF my work.
The same statement was always
made to me-"a gentleman had
looked at it and promised to call
again" But the mysterious prom
isers never did return.
While | was meditating on my
gloomy prospects | heard low
knock at the door. | rose and open
ed it. The gentleman who stood
outside was tall and thin and dress
ed in black or very dark clothes-in
the dim light | could not tell which.
M. Paul Godin?" he inquired.
"Yes, monsieur. VIII you not do
me the favor to enter?"
He bowed and passed in.
Il must apologize for asking you
into a dark room" | said, as | NOV
ed toward the table on which stood
lamp. Il had almost fallen asleep
in the twilight"
pray do not light the lamp; my
eyes are weak, and what | have to
say to you | can say better as we
are"
My curiosity was thoroughly
aroused. Nv visitor was evidently
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 ! the honor of speaking?"
Il do not wish to give my name;
am here on business that can be
transacted without disclosing ii. |
must ask you 20 excuse the custom
airy formality."
/ bowed and pointed to a chair
Nv visitor took it, paused a moment
as if thinking how he should begin.
then spoke quickly, almost abruptly,
as il he was anxious to lose as lit
tie time as possible:
M. Gcdin. | have been told by
some one who knows you weli-no
matter who-that you can paint
from life with great quickness and
accuracy. | want a figure painted
tonight"
Tonight y | exclaimed.
''Yes, by candlelight, and it must
be done before daylight tomorrow
morning: that is, in the rough; you
can finish it here afterward. The
subject is a strangeon and the con-
ditions on which / shall give the
commissions 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 recogni-
ton. | know that these are startling
conditions, but l am willing to pay
literally. will pay you one thou
sand francs now and another thou
sand when / send for the finished
picture. Do you accept"
For the moment l was stunned.
Here was what seemed to be for
tune placed suddenly within my
grasp. The conditions were certain
ly startling" but / was young, ]
had no fear, and the mystery piqued
me. 1t seemed as if had suddenly
been transported back to the days
of the Tour de Nesle, to which Mar
guerite de Valois summoned her
lovers, who arrived blindfolded and
were borne away dead by the silent
waters. If some such tragedy was
in store for me / was poor enough
and desperate enough to take ali the
chances.
We'll" said ne. somewhat impa-
tiently, ''do you accept"
"Yes, monsieur"
ssCo~,1f Hara are the one thousand