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

eyes; the soft curves or the dlmpled cheeks,
the silky tendrils of yellow hair seemingly
stirred by the breeze, bore witness to truly
artistic touch.
"That is Joshua Reynolds, is it not ?
asked the barOnet.
The artist drew himself up.
"That," he replied with slight ha,aear,
yet perfect courtesy" is my own. Ipainted
it six months ago."
"Ah, indeed! That is good; very good,'
said Sir Gregory, with appreciation. "a
portrait, of course"
Eyes; but painted for my own pleasure.
The original is child of obscure parents.
saw her on the streets and took fancy to
her face"
~ see. Of course that is an artists pre-
rogative. Maud, my dear, an excellent pro-
duction, this. I see you admire it as much
as I do. I should like to compare it with
the original, but of course that's impossible.
Well, we'll, no matter. Maud, my child-''
Here followed a whispered question,
4 which the young lady answered with an
embarrassed air and heightened color, in
the same inaudible tone. The artist, affect
ing not to observe this side-play, busted
himself nonchalantly in arranging the folds
of some drapery thrown over the arm of the
sofa, apparently for study. After brief
consultation, the baronet again turned to-
. ward Mr.. Rivers.
"We came to day, my daughter and l."
he began in an explanatory manner, ION the
recommendation of a friend Of ours, a pat
! ron of the fine arts, with whom you are per-
haps acquainted; Professor Moseby, a dis
tingushed man of letters, and an artist
himself in an amateur way-quite an anna
teur way, of course. He saw one of your
pictures at the exhibition, and-ah-approv-
ed it,"
He paused to allow the concluding state
ment to take effect. Mr.. Rivers bowed
calmly, and looked eXpectant, though un-
disturbed.
"He suggested" continued the baronet,
that in you / might find what am seek
ing with some anXiety-natural anxiety, of
course. This young lady, my daughter, de-
string, or rather, should say, acceeding to
.my desire to have portrait of her, paint
com petetrr ssftist-nene but a
competent one, of course. l must have the
best possible work, and am willing to
pay for it, In you Irepeat, my friend, Pro-
fessor Moseby. suggested that might find a
person thoroughly qualified to undertake
the task. Would you consider yourself JUS
titled in undertaking it:"
The artist, who had listened witha slightly
puzzled expression to this rambling speech,
now understanding its drift, looked reliev-
ed smiled, glanced momentarily at Miss
| Maud, who was regarding him earnestly,
and after short pause, replied in Il tone of
modest but absolute assurance
! 81 have no hesitation in saying that l
would feel quite justified in undertaking
| it."
"Ah! well, of course you must judge of
that am sorry that have not had the
opportunity toinspect-that to is, to compare
your work with that Of"
"Of more distinguished artists" inter-
posed Mr.. Rivers, with suavity. 81 have
not made a name for myself, as yet, and
some Of my best work is, unfortunately, out
of reach. In fact, have not been in Lon
don very long. If you feel any hesitation
in entering, as it were, upon new field"
"Oh ~ cried Maud, with lovely crimson
| in her cheeks, and a slight tremOr in her
voice, as shecast an appealing glance toward
the laundering baronet, "that could make no
difference in papa's feelings-could it, papa
! One does not like aiacays to follow in other
peoples footsteps"
"No, no I! of course not. OF course not.
! You are quite right, Maud. l tlatter myself
that | have some discrimination. can tell
good picture when / see it. Yes, indeed,
consider myself fa pretty fair judge. Now
call that portrait-that child's head-some-
! thing quite above the usual mark. AS you
are aware, really mistook it fora Reynolds.
! Any one who could paint that must be a good
artist. And then, of course, the Professors
Judgment is to lie respected. 1t would be,
/ perhaps, rather algo0d card for you to paint
/ nv daughter, eA! Mr.. Rivers? 1t would
place the transaction i'm the light of mu-
! tual benefit, eh z? I like to help deserving
talent; it alwayslgives me sincere pleasure.
Well, is it agreed? Suppose we come to
! terms:"
, Mr. Rivers eyed the baronet rather curl
! olYly. He had flushed somewhat towards
the conclusion of Sir Gregory's speech, and
"a certain compression of his lips seemed to
denote that he was placing check upon
some feeling that desired to find vent. He
ssle ed qiIq. essii Maud, whose face be-
trayed unmisty ykable annoyance, and his
countenance sohened.
Cat your pleasure, he said, quietly. 81
am willing to accept the commission"
"Well, we'll Sat what fgure?"
"I must hear first, if you please, what
style of portrait you desire. Is it simply a
head ?'
want full length figure life size; we've
cot the dress selected and everything"
ooh, see. There would be a good deal
of work on thdt, of course; it would take
me several weeks, perhaps severals months,
to accomplish it."
II should pot hurry you," said the
"No: could not be hurried. Well sir,
would charge you two hundred guineas
for a portrait OF that description"
:sTwo hundred guineas, eh: "Well, well ;
7 suupose that is a fair price. should not
mind paving five hundred if necessary"
said @ the baronet grandiloquently. "You are
sure now, that you can guarantee good
satisfactory work, eh
81 can guarantee good work." replied Mr..
Rivers, "Whether it proves satisfactory
must depend Upon the eyes that see it, as
much as upon the hand that has wrought
"Ha, hal well my eyes will do their part
faithfully, I'll promise YOU. Now want
to show YOU something, Mr.. Rivers, if you
nIeasen He flinbled in his waistcoat pock-
at ess,.Where is the thing ?-oh, here. Now
look at this will! you and give me your can
"'I No nlaced in the artists hand minia-
two in a velvet case, 1t was very beauti-
tui fuI likeness of Nj aud on porcelain. Mr.. Rir-
nr. surveyed it critically.
81 Think he,said, as he returned it, at
far q prolonged inspection, that with such
nerfect likeneSs as this already, IN your
nnoppsession, you would scarcely desire to
pos25 SVou think i'd good do you? So does ev,
orv one, That, sir, was executed by one OF