Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1885-01-08
BY VICTOR VERNON.
.'CHAPTER III.
PART I.
IN THE STUDIO.

In lODhos
>CHAPTER III. d
The work of the picture went bravely On.
About fortnight after its beginning, Slr
Gregory was forced to succumb to an attscR
of rheumatism, an unusual foe at that seas season
of the year, but the weather had suddenly
become chilly and rainy, and the baronet
ventured out when it would have been mere
prudent for him to remain indoors. LOT
two days, to Manuel's chagrin, Maudre'
pany with the faithful farley, whom she
had easily persuaded her father to accept
as his substitute. .-.a,
Mrs. farley was irst-rate duenna. Sne
kept her eyes open, so to speak, but shePos,
sessed an indulgent disposition and thought
everything that her young lady did must
be right. AS to the artist, she conelv,
ed for him, from the first, warm ana
sincere liking. She speedily discovered,
what Maud as yet had failed to discover
namely, that he was violently in love.
"And why not?" said Mrs. farley toher.
self. "Every body must love, my sweet
lamb. It's no matter of surprise to me-
And he's beautiful young gentlemanj and
a real gentleman too, if he is painter.
What could Sir Gregory expect, when ne
puG MISS Nuduu III lllo way Wy ANSy iS
would be vexed if he knew; but. then Miss
Maud can persuade him into anything thatS
for her happiness" 81
These being her sentiments, she was con-
tent to watch the progress of affairs without
attempting to interfere. Indeed, she had
no pretext for interfering, for the inter
course of the two young people was marx
ed by absolute decOrum. Nothing could be
more entirely respectful than the young ar
lists manner to his fair subject, who, pm her
part, was modest dignity itself -,Ia -rAs
marks they exchanged were on the most
commonplace topics, and he was never seen
so much as to touch her hand, even with
the purpose of placing it in desirable po
sition.
One day, however, it became absolutely
necessary for him to arrange the lace on hel
sleeve, which hung differently from the way
in which it had been arranged in the draw.
ing, and altered the effect of the shadow,
AS he did so his hand brushed her arm
His fingers trembled, a thrill ran through
him, and for an instant their eyes met. II
that glance, his secret was told.
A lovely blush swept over Maud's face
She instantly averted her eyes and scarcely
spoke to him during the remainder of the
interview.
At their next meeting, she seemedto have
entrenched herself ina gentle dignity, some
what colder than usual. Manuel was
wretched. He feared that he had given o.
fence, yet surely it had been unintentiona,
and therefore did not merit her displeasurs.
She maintained this demeanor for a day
and half. On the second morning he
found himself unable to endure it Longer
without protest, and bending to stralghtea
a fold in the sweeping drapery of her skirt
In a SFnrpi mo w Et
"For what ?'' she rejoined, in the same
tone. =
II don't know; but want your forgive-
ness. have evidently vexed you"
"You are mistaken" she answered, not
without agitation. II am not in the least
vexed." ~
Manuel cast a swift glance around. MB.
farley was reading the newspaper. AM In
pulse absolutely irresistible overcame him,
and he pressed his lips to the slender hand
that hung at Nfaud's side; then, with his
heart beating like a sledge- hammer, he
turned away and went back to his easel.
For some moments he painted without dsr-
ing to lift his eyes, and when at last ne ven
tured to do so, he saw nothing in her lace
that betokened anger. On the contraryit
was tranquil, and there was even slight
smile, or so he fancied, on her beautiful
mouth. Ardent hope now fired his breast,
and for the first time he said to himself, ut
is possible that may win her!"
"Jarley," said the young lady to hertt-
tendant that night, as she was having her
long hair brushed out, show do you think
my picture is coming on ~
''Splendidly, Miss Maud; Mr.. Rivers
works well.'
ssIt seems to me he is little SLOW ~
''It's difficult picture to paint, should
think, though of course it's matter of
which 1 am no judge. Are you getting
tired of going so regularly to the ,SStudio?'
81 believe I am-rather. l shall ask him
tomorrow if every other day would not 10
as WELL"
"You should give him fair chance, NY
dear" Nong and familiar association was
Mrs. Jarley's excuse for frequently adopting
this familiar mode of address.) GA mGt
beautiful picture it will be when it is dorn,
as anyone may see. l think your papa is
fortunate to have found somebody ableto
do you justice, at last"
"At last! why, think most Of my like
nesses are good," said Maud. "Of couse
this is the handsomest picture"
"Mr. Rivers is delightful young gentle
man." continued Mrs. farley. ''SometineS
I think, from his eloquent manner, that
he must be a nobleman in disguise"
At this Maud laughed. "Why should he
disguise himself?' she asked. "a noble.
man need not be ashamed of being an artist
1t is as honorable a profession as any Other
The only trouble is, that artists are gener,
mot when they grow famous, and ire
paid hundreds and thousands of pounds iol
every picture" -
hope Mr.. Rivers will get hundreds and
thousands of pounds for all his pictures, y
said Maud; and then she went to bed, but
not to sleep for long time. ManuePshasd'
I some, noble face presented itself to hel
vision in the darkness. She could ho1
Danish it, nor, to speak truly, dld she
Try to do so. She knew full well, nSw
that he loved her; but she was not so sure
of her own feelings. Her father, she was
j, quite aware, cherished ambitious PROJECT:
for her. His hopes, indeed, did not fall sior
of a ducal coronet; but though 4 ducal ,or
onet might be fine thing, it did not seem
just then to be specially desirable for her
self. And as for money, she had enough a:
she pleased. She considered her fathel tt
be very rich man, though she, certainly
had no clear idea of the extent of hisin