The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-08-30

lad as modeler and copyist, must take the
first rank If, in addition to his manual dex-
terity, he had poetry, feeling and imagination, it
might well be that one of the greatest sculptors
of the nineteenth century stood in embryo be-
fore him.
AS Mr.. Herbert glanced from the rough clay
sketches to the pale boy who stood breathless.
as one expecting a verdict of life or death, he
wondered what could have been the cause of
such divergence from the traits habitual to
the LeiGhs. Then he remembered that some
twenty years ago Abraham Leigh had chosen
for wife, not one of his own kind, but
dweller in cites-a governess, who ex
changed, no doubt, life of penury and servi-
tude for the rough but comfortable home the
Somersetshire farmer was willing to give her.
Mr.. Herbert remembered her, remembered how
utterly out of place the delicate. refined woman
seemed to be as Leighs wife; remembered how,
few years after the birth of the boy, she sick
ened and died. It was from the mothers side
the artistic taste came
Mr.. Herbert although kind man, was eau
tious He had no intention of raising hopes
which might be futile. Yet he felt q word of
encouragement was due to the lad.
Some of these figures show decided talent"
he said. After seeing them, | need scarcely
ask you if you wish to be a sculptorl"
Young Leigh clasped his hands together. "Oh,
sr!" he gasped. IF it could only bel"
You do not care to be a farmer, like your
fatherl"
Il could never be farmer, sir. Il am not fit
for it."
Yet, if you follow in your fathers track you
will lead a comfortable. useful lie. If you fol-
low art, you may 60 through years of poverty
and suffering before success is attained."
The boy raised his head and looked full at the
speaker-there was almost passionate entreaty
in his eyes.
ooh, sir" he said, IF you would only per-
suade my father to let me try-even for a few
years. If did not succeed would come back
to him and work as laborer for the rest of my
life without murmur."
Mr.. Herbert was impressed by the boys earn
estness. Il will speak to your father he said.
Then the two went back to the sittln groom,
where they found Abraham Leigh much exer-
csed by some difficult questions propounded by
Miss Herbert respecting the nature of Apolyon.
Take my little girl for walk round tho gar
den, said Mr.. Herbert to young Leigh. Il want
to speak to your father"
In spite of the greal gulf between her and the
clay despatched boy in his shirt sleeves, the
little princess was too glad of change of scene
to wish to disobey her father. She followed her
conductor to the back of the house, and the boy
and girl stepped out into the autumnal sunshine
The little maid looked so trim and dainty in
her neat riding habit, coQuettlsh hat and tiny
gloves, that his own draggled appearance struck
the boy forcibly.
"If you will excuse me a minute" he sad II
" III run and wash my hands"
Eyes. l think it will he BETTER" said Miss
Herbert. with dignity.
In minute or two young Leigh returned.
red clay from his long, welshaped fingers, but
to slip en- his coat and generally beautify him
self. His improved appearance had great effect
upon the child, who like most of her age, was
influenced by exteriors.
So Miss Herbert. this little great lady, unbent
and allowed Jerry" to lead her round the old
fashioned garden, to the outhouses and pigsties,
where the obese pigs lay obivious of what fate
had IN store for them; to the stables; to the
dairy, where she condescended to drink a glass
and w ha ar
returned to the garden the two were as
good friends as their different stations in
life would permit Young Leigh, who
saw in this dainty little maid the incarnation of
fairies, nymphs, goddesses, and other ideals
which, in dim way, were forming themselves
in his brain, endeavored after his first Shyness
had passed away, to show her what beautiful
shapes and forms could be found in flower, leaf,
and tree, and other things in nature. His talk,
indeed, scared far above her pretty little head,
and when they returned to the garden he was
trying to make her see that those masses of
white clouds low down in the distance were two
bodies of warriors just about to meet in deadly
fray:
You very. very funny boy" said Miss
Herbert, with such an air of conviction that he
was startled into silence.
Your name is Jerry, isn't it," she continued.
''1erry's an ugly name"
my name is Gerald-Gerald Leigh"
"Oh-Gerald" Even this child could see the
improperly Of a tenant farmer having a son
named Gerald. No wonder Abraham Leigh
addressed his boy as Jerry!
DO you like being farmer?" she asked.
II am not going to be farmer-I don't
like it."
What pity. Farmers are such worthy,
respectable class of men," said the girl, using
a stock phrase she had caught up somewhere.
The boy laughed merrily. Mr.. Herbert's ap-
probation sat newly upon him, and he was only
talking to child-so he said:
II hope to be worthy and respectable, but a
much greater man than a farmer"
ooh! How great?-as great as papaF
Eyes, hope So"
That's absurd, you know" said Miss Herbert
with all the outra ged family pride that thirteen
years can feel; and, turning away, she switched
at the flowers with her riding whip
However, a few words from Gerald made them
friends once more, and she expressed her pleas
ure that he should pick her one of the few roses
which remained in the garden.
Roses are common" said the boy. Every
one gives roses / will give you something
prcttier."
He went to the sunny side of the house, and
soon returned with half a-dozen pale lavender
stars in his hands. They were blossoms of a
new sort Of late clematis, which some ones
gardener had given Abraham Leigh. Gerald's
deft fingers arranged them into a most artistic
bouquet the appearance of which was entirely
spollt by Miss Herberts insistance that two or
three roses should be added. The bouquet was
just finished and presented when Mr.. Herbert,
followed by the farmer appeared
Although he said nothing more to young
Leigh on the subject which upIermost in
the boys mind, the kindly encouraging look he
gave him raised the will dest hopes in his heart
Mr. Herbert babe the father and son a pleasant
goodday. ard rode off with his little daughter.
= Miss Herbert carried the bunch of clematis
for about two miles, then finding it rather
numbered her, tossed it over hedge
Gerald Leigh went back to his attic and COM
menced about half dozen clay sketches of the
prettiest object which as yet had crossed hi S
path. For several days he was on thorns to hear
what fate had in store for him; but fate person
fled by his father, made no sign, but went about
his work stolid and sphinx like. Mr.. Herbert,
Gerald learned. had gone to London for few
days.
However, before a fortnight had gone by
Abraham Leigh received letter from his land
lord, and the same evening, whilst smoking his
pipe in the farm kitchen, informed his son and
his sister that to morrow he was going into
Gouces tersh hire to IL his broth lose cnnd