Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1883-02-28

my heart bled for her. Unfortunately,
[ could only give her words for comfort.
Although l possessed enough to main.
tain myself just now, times had been
rather hard for my son, and I had been
obliged to help him with the little money
| had saved. Every time i looked at
the canvas it made me feel almost
wretched. had not sufficient strength
Of resolution to tell her the bitter truth.
It was, perhaps, mistaken kindness; but
I was weak man, and through childish
timidity I shrank from dashing all he1
hopes to the ground by the utterance OF
few words.
That night l could not sleep for think
ing OF this poor girl struggling with
poverty alone. tried to devise some
means OF helping her, but in vain. ]
could think Of nothing.
The next day she was at the gallery,
and the following one continued to paint
with the utmost zeal.
I think I shall soon finish it," she
often said to me. "Of course it is not
like yours, but the man at the picture
shop will not have seen that, and so will
be. satisfied with NINE"
So she spoke, in her happy ignorance,
and smiled in acquiescence. I could
not confute her. Lately she had altered
very much for the better. Her face had
lost the worn, weary look. It was be-
cause she was so imbued with the idea
that she would be able to sell the pic
ture aud pay the rent.
81 have not told Henry" she said
once, "what l am doing. He would
not like to think that l had to leave the
children, and to work; but when he
comes back to us I shall tell him how
saved our little home, and he will call
me brave girl, and shall feel so hap
Ply and proud
One day she left the gallery several
hours earlier on account OF her youngest
child, who was suffering from a severe
attack Of cold, and offered to put away
her things, that she might start at once,
sc ANXIOUS she appeared to reach home.
Directly after she had taken her depart
ure l lifted the canvas off her easel, not
because it offended my eye, but because
when 1 thought of her high hopes re-
garding it, the sight OF it made me feel
quite broken-hearted.
I had scarcely done this before per-
ceived gentleman standing near, ex-
aiming, evidently with critical eye
and no small degree of pleasure, my
copy which only wanted few more
touches to render perfect. Was the
gentleman an intending purchaser As
| watched him, thought flashed sud-
denly across my mind, and not more
quickly than I had conceived did I re-
solve to act upon this new idea.
The gentleman, after few moments
more silent examination of my work,
turned towards where I stood, with the
brushes and palette of my poor young
friend in hand, and inquired whether
was the artist of the picture, and if
had any intention OF selling it. I bowed
and answered both questions in the
affirmative. He Inexperienced to make
me an offer Of ESQ for it. The sum was
not large; indeed, considerably below
what was in the habit of receiving for
my works; but accepted this without
hesitation, and promised to deliver the
painting at his house in C. Square
the next morning.
When he lett me 7 commenced put
ting a few finishing touches to the pic
ture. felt in such excellent spirits.
What l had resolved upon doing seemed
to make almost young man of me
again. Now intended to purchase her
picture with the ESQ, and to tell her
that. during her absence, I had had the
good fortune to sell her painting to a
gentleman. l would never let her know
who the purchaser really was. I walked
home from the gallery that night in a
very happy frame Of mind. 1 looked
forward with such delight to meeting uer
again, with the money for ner picture
IN my hand.
The next was not students day, and
consequently no work was to be done at
the gallery. I did nothing but think OF
her; and when had left my painting at
the house of its purchaser and received
the money, the first thing 1 did upon
my return was to hang her canvas upon
these wallis, where it has remained ever
since.
[ could scarcely eat my breakfast the
following morning, so impatient 1 felt to
reach the gallery.
When l arrived there fastened up
the wide steps aud through the several
rooms, until I reached the picture of
Claude. There was no necessity now to
to place the easels in readiness, our work
was done; and I somehow thought,
rather sadly, that perhaps 1 should
never paint another picture. But it was
very hot and close, although so early in
the morning, and it was perhaps that
that made me feel faint, for I was glad
to take off my hat, and relieved to find
was the sole occupant of this part OF
the gallery.
I waited for nearly half an hour before
she appeared. I hurried forward to
meet her. She looked paler than usual
l thought, and her step was slow and
weary.
She regarded me evidently with great
surprise.
"l expected to find you working, -
she exclaimed; "but / am earlier than
I thought. never looked at the clock
before I started. I seemed to forget
everything; I felt so out of heart. ]
must tell you "she added, striving, ]
back the tears" you will pity me, ]
know. Last night had such cruel
letter from our landlord, saying that il
the rent is not paid within q week, We
must turn out; and my youngest little
one is SO i'll, and poor Henry and perhaps
after all my trouble, after being obliged
to leave home the long day through,
shall not be able to sell my picture"
I saw her lip culver, and the tears
gather in her eyes.
3; Don't be afraid !" I said, gently.
"Your picture is sold! I sold it yes
terday for you while you were away !"
"S Sold |" she exclaimed, selling my
hand in her agitation. "Sold ACTUALLY
sold But no it cannot be It is tot
good! It is not true =