Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1885-01-08

per OF the realm could surpass him in un-
bemshed courtesy of department and re-
fiement of speech and as to his appear
aneeIWell, he was certainly by far the
hsndsomest man she knew. He seemed
oat Of place in his bare, dingy studio. She
would have liked to see him surrounded
with objects of luxury, things appropriate
toartlstlc fancy, that would have made a
ftsettlng for his beauty and the beauty of
his creations. She had been in artists Stu
dos that were in themselves gems of art,
pieces to linger and delight in; and Manuel
hid nothing better about him than horse
hair chairs When the hundreds and
Thousands of pounds to which Jarley's hope
fu imagination pointed should be shower
edupon him, then might Turkey carpets
and rare bronzes be the result; but in the
mean time, he seemed to make himself
tderably content with bare floor. She
sX0Fed he was ambitious-she liked ambi-
tion, of all things.
"Why Of coarse he is ambitious" she
said to herself, smiling in the dark; doesn't
he want me 2"
Certainly, this was proof.
II Maud's wakefulness was prolonged by
such thoughts, she was at least more fortu-
nate than Manuel, inasmuch as slumber did
come somewhere about the small hours to
tanquilize her; whereas the eyelids Of the
artist were unvisited by the drowsy god
all night. If Maud's fancy leaned toward
him, yet her regard was as the mild ray OF
acandle in the beams Of monday sun, COM
pared to the flame that was kindled in his
ardent heart.
Having gone so far as has been recorded,
it seemed necessary that he should 60 far
ther, and inform himself definitely of the
tangibility of his hopes. But speech un-
constrained, on such subject, he could not
arrive at in the presence of third party
He did not expect ever to find himself alone
with Maud in the studio; and besides, he
felt that it would be more proper to follow
her for such a purpose to her own home
than to take advantage of her enforced
presence in his room, even if the opportuni-
y he desired should there present itself.
( He must at least, however, finish her pic
ture before he ran the risk of incurring Sir
Gregory's displeasure, and thus, perhaps,
put a stop to their present intercourse. For
he felt that there was certainly a risk, and
strong enough (provided it be the genuine
article) to overcome all obstacles in the end,
yet he realized the folly of destroying, by an
act of rashness, the present delight of reg
ular companionship with his beloved.
After thinking over the situation, he de-
cided that there could be no harm in writing
to her.
Suppose he were to take Mrs. farley suf-
fciently into his confidence to entrust her
with the note?
Or, better still, could he not present he'
with the missive without being seen?
, No, he would do nothing clandestine,
nothing unworthy of his love. He would
write through the post and let her act in re-
gard to the matter as she pleased.
But after he had composed four letters
and torn them up by turns, his cour-
age failed, and he resolved to wait The
portrait once completed, he would present
himself at Sir Gregory's house as friend
and equal and boldly enter the lists with
the numerous suitQrs whom his Jealous fan,
cy pictured as arrayed against him: 1t
would be a daring step, but he feltequal to 1t.
The fervent Simmer days wore on. The
baronet's rheumatism yielded finally to
the influence of genial skies, and with re-
stored health he once more made his ap-
pearance in the artists studio. He pro-
fessed himself charmed with the picture,
which had made great progress, and al
ready seemed near completion.
One afternoon, as Manuel was sitting idle
before the canvas, contemplating, with de-
youring gaze, the representation Of what
had beconie to him the highest possible type
of beauty, there was sharp rap at his door,
and in answer to his summons, a thin, bent
old lady, dressed with old-fashioned ele-
gance, entered, leaning upon cane.
"Aunt Isabella !" he exclaimed, rising in
great astonishment.
"Aye, it's me-" was the reply. las you
would not do me the honor of calling, l
thought I'd come round and call on you.".
q
loss what to say.
"Did not know I wanted to see you, hey
Well. il does seem g. foolish whim on my
part" said his visitor, sinking down on the
horse-hair sofa, from which the artist hastily
sWept some encumbrances away. "Wha1
hard seats you've got here-ft to break ones
bOneS."
II am sorry have none softer to Offer
you," reioined Manuel.
''Soft seats cost more money, l suppose
Well, are you pretty busy, now? What are
YOU doing at present."
II am painting-a portrait" said Manuel
suddenly feeling a strong reluctance TO sho"
his work. 1t was impossible, however, tt
conceal it from the bright vivacious eyes o
Lady Isabella, who Immediately rose anc
came round to the front OF the picture
which was certainly large enough to attract
her observation. .
$50! YOU have gay young ladies for youl
subjects" she exclaimed, in evident sur
prise. dWhom have we here""
"NIiss Barnett" said Manuel, briefly.
"Barnett--not old Gregory Barnett:
daughter?"
"[rhe same" a,.
"Ho how did they find you out?"
GAS anybody else would, / suppose,
am not entirely unknown, aunt" added tht
artist, with spirit.
$50 it appears. But ola Barnett IS
scamp"
GA arhut!9"
~44It scamp, l said.'
"You surprise me-" said Manuel.
every likely, "drily said his aunt. "lt'
nv opinion, nevertheless. L believe tht
world regards him otherwise; but am sci
dom deceived. And you are painting thl
girl She is pretty, upon my word. sup
pose such work is pleasure 10 you.
Naturally, yes"
suppose. than painting the likeness of al
ugly, dried up old woman like me-"
"Do Won wish me to paint your portrait::' -
asked Manuel courteOusly, ignoring the tom
of her remark.
81 am thinking about it-indefinitely
Won must finish this grand work first, other
wise it would continually distract you
thoughts"
II Shall be at your service whenever yol
call upon me, aunt" :,
Lady Isabella gazed long and tixedly a
the beautiful face, whose soft eyes looked
dreamily away from her, as if fastened OF
some distant object The artist had throw
over the whole figure an air of exquisite
repose, rather than of expectancy. Th
grace of look and attitude could scarcel.
have been surpassed.
"You are more of an artist than though