The Indianapolis journal., 1885-09-13
CHAPTER ".


1t was early in Nav The Academy had been
open about a week-long enough for the newspa
per critics to tell the public what it ought to
admire. Strange to say, this year the critics were
unanimous in bestowing their highest praises on
piece of statuary, and a great future for the
sculptor was predicted.
AS the bulk of the good people who pay their
shllngs at the turnstiles care little about
statues, one which attracts general attention
must be either very great one or a very tricky
one-as a rule the latter.
Yet No. 146O in the catalogue appealed to no
one by cheap sentiment or sensational treat
ment 1t was but the ligtly draped figure of a
beautiful girl, one just in the first flush of woman
hood. She was in the act of stepping hastily for
ward. Her arms were extended as if to welcome
perhaps embrace some one who coming
towards her. Her face bore a smile of eager de-
light. The grace, the Hghtness, the life of the
figure arrested each passer-by. The fall of the
drapery, the position of each well rounded limb,
conveyed the idea of rapid motion. 1t was in
deed nard to believe that she was doomed to re-
main for ever in one fixed attitude. The stock
remark OF the spectators was that in minute
they expected TO see her at the other side of the
room.
This statue bore no distinguishing title, but
those persons who turned to their catalogues
found, under the number and the artists name
few words of poetry.
Her hands outstretched
To greet the new love; whilst her feet
Tread, scornfu ON the old loves gifts"
After reading this one turned, of course, to her
feet. and found that one of them was treading
on fiowers-roses and large star shaped bios
sons
Several people, whilst admiring the statue
fancied they had somewhere seen tine original of
that beautiful face but, save the sculptor. only
one, James Herbert, knew the truth. He cursed
Leighs lmpertinence, but was too wise to take
any notice of it. Yet he determined to keep
Eugenia from the Academy, if possible.
hQ yVaC in fnyv and N 80
be married to Sir Ralph. Two months after
Mrs. Cathcart had taken her niece abroad, the
baronet joined them and renewed his proposals.
this time with success. The girl stipulated that
the marriage should not take place until the
spring The truth is, she wanted some months
delay N order to get rid of the memories of Ger
aid Leigh, and by the time she returned to
England fattered herself she had successfully
completed the operation.
She had In the last few days heard some talk
about the statue, but had steadfastly kept her
eyes from the art criticisms, fearing to see
Geralds name. Nevertheless, che wished to
visit the Academy, and was surprised when
James Herbert now amiability itself, refused to
take her there.
"You mustn't go this year" he said 'that
fellows statue is creating quite furore"
We'll: what of thatP asked Eugenia, coldly.
HE has had bad taste enough to represent
you. The likeness is unmistakeable. It's a
maudlin thing-a girl deserting her old love, or
some such nonsense. Still, you'd better not 60"
Eugenla said no more; but all day long
she thinking of her brothers words. and
longing to see what Gerald had wrought. That
evening she dined out. At the table were several
persons who worshipped art and Eugenla's
cheek burned as she heard the praise bestowed
on the new sculptor and the great future prophe
sled for him. Had she, after all. been wrong9
Would it not have been better to have followed
weak aud mercenary2 No matter; it was too
late now to repent. Poor Gerald She must see
this wonderful image of herself.
Early the next morning. quietly dressed and
veled, she went alone to Burlington. House
Like many others, she stood transfxed by the
beauty and grace of her prototypes but unlike
Others, she knew the meaning of the statue.
knew the mute reproach it conveyed knew why
the marble foot trod down those particular
flowers. She had never told him the fate of his
boyish gift, bet Gerald had often and often re-
called his first meeting with her. Eugenia's
heart swelled as she remembered his brave
words and confidence in himself-how sure he
felt of success. He had, indeed succeeded but
the first great work from his hands was a me-
mento of his love for a faithless woman-her-
self.
Sir Ralph Norgate, her impending marriage,
her brothers disdain and the worlds sneers
were forgotten, as she gazed on that reproaching
figure wrought by the man she loved but did
not love enough. Tears were in her eyes She
might have stood for an hour needless of all
save her sad thoughts. had not the mention Of
Gerald Leigh's name brought her back to the
fact that she was surrounded by people.
Two gentlemen were at her side. They we're
talking of the work aud the sculptor. One of
them she knew. He lord, famous for his
love of art and encouragement Of rising artists.
II tried to buy it," he said, hut found it was
not for sale"
Commercially speaking" said his companion,
''it is well you cannot buy it."
"Whyf The man must go to the top Of his
professionf"