The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-05-31
A STUDIO STORY.

Rosina Smythe, you are unhappy
 "Unhappy!-i m the most miserabl. dog alive, at the present momento
 " At the present moment!' echoed Lady Rosina, though you are here."
 "Yes, though l am here. You see, have to go far away; can't stop here and this is the only place where for a moment forget the worries that besel me"
 Wonieel O, am sorry. But why not connde Tn me. nigh, be able to help you
 Impossible, dear, generous creature that you are you could moi help me-
 Do not judge so hastily-you do not yet know my powers. But, at all events, remember that am your friend"
 Could forget il ~ he answered, in a murmur that was attuned to her gentle and suggestive tones.
 But you do forget it, when you re- fuse 10 tell me your troubles. You say you don't like to leave my drawing room yet yours is one of the most beautiful studios in London. Don't you like to return there, and look at the lovely pictures, and live in their midst 70
 No,' answered Mir. Smart vigorously :: I'd much rather not live Tn their midst. They ought 70 be somewhere else; no, In my studio. As things are, shall have to give up that studio soon."
 70, it's money, Is it !'
 What else should II be -
 Your pictures don't sell .-
 As am also with friend, 1 will no, mince matters. They don't"
 Naf paOnIa .,, Lady Rossna, musingly.
 But they are satisfied with saying it. They den't buy taem."
 And they are well hung at the exhi- bitionsf"
 70, yesw said Mir mart, with some thing like a sigh.
 And you have painted most of the beauties of the day!"
 True,' answered Mir. Smart despone- ingly. But even that does not make sale. thous ht that my Ma dens Bath ing at Early Dawn must have sold every face in it Is that of a we'll ll-known beauty. But no it in my studio still.'
 There was pause. Lady Rosina was buried in thought. Mir. Smart was nov ing restlessly about the room it was his inability to sit still which had first made Lady Rosina observe that he WAS not in his usual gay humer. He was hand some fellow, somewhat spoiled by an affected air and exaggerated manner, and with the look rather of one who knows how to spend money than of one who know how to make it. Yet Mir. Smart really had very pretty talent for catch ing likeness, as Lady Rosina knew, for she was d dabbler in the fine arts.
 After a few moments Lady Rosina spoke. Will you paint me T' she said.
 "You know 1 win," responded Mir. Smart. with admirable fervor.
 :" Not once,' she went on, but half . dozen times. l never yet had justice done me. You can do il If you will in return, will make your fortune''
 MT. Smart paused in his restless move ments and looked earnestly at her. Hitherto his eyes had dwelt on her face with certain rapture of admiration which he had well learped to express now there was in them a cold, searching look.
 .'Is this business :' he said, in a very low voice.
 4 It is business" she answered, in the same subdued, intense tone. She per fectly knew the meaning of what she said for Lady Rosina, having had for her birth-rights blue blood and poverty, had married Mir. Smythe, who was " something in the city," and who had imparted to her the spirit of commerce which is so grand and powerful in the present day.
 When will you come to si, ?" asked Mir. Smart.
 "To-morrow afternoon" answered Lady Rosina. And how soon will the sketch be recognizable p
 It must have three sistings before any one sees it"
 ~Very well. Alter the third sitting you must have a big at home at the studio. Everybody must be there-you understand: Get your sister to be hostess"
 "I obey" said Mir. Smart. But, tell me, what do you mean to do ?"
 Wait and see" she answered "only trust me you know l am your friend.h
 "I believe it,n said Mir Smart, in his most fervent manner.
 He went away clated, and in the nex, twenty-four hours several tiresome per- sons, who had recently encroached too much upon his time and patience, were requested to wait more decently, for good fortune was at hand; whether in the shape of an unexpected legacy or an heiress ready to be woa cd we'd, Mir. smart refused to say Rut his high spirits were very rea1nR in them- selves. And he was in e6cnedinely high spirits, for he believed in Lady Rosina.
 She gave him three sittines, and then requested him to fix his afternoon and get everybody to come.
 shall come she said, .and shall bring . gentleman with me. perhaps you may not kke him; but mind you are vey civil and introduce him to the best people, # you can manage it.p
 Al this =5sei6ed NIT. SmaEt little {; bat hs s1w that he was expected to ask no qrestions, and, being sensible yoone msA, he said nothing, but did what he u4s told.
 On the great afternoon his rooms were