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


that bust Where did you say the sculptor man
man was to be foundl Nelson Studios, Kings
road What numberl"
mo TO-" said Eugenia, wondering if her
aunt's sudden resolve would be productive of
good or evil.
The carriage went to Nelson Studios; the la
dies dispounted, and Mrs Cathcart tapped at
the doorof No 10, studio which, being a sculp-
tors was of course, the ground floor.
The door opened by handsome young
man whose outside garb was ragged old blouse,
and whose hands were white with half-dried
clay-one of those hands, moreover held short
pipe. Indeed, Gerald Leigh was in as unpre-
sentable trim when, years ago, he first met
Miss Herbert
He did not at once see the girl. She was
behind Mrs Cathcart and that ladys majestic
presence absorbed all his attention. Mrs. Cath
cart put up her eyeglass.
us your master inF" she asked.
Gerald laughed. II am my own master" he
said.
This is Mr. Leigh. aunt" said Eugenia COM
ing forward
''Oh!" said Mrs. Cathcart and the palpable
meaning of that explanatory monosyllabIe sent
the blood to Eugeni;.'s cheek.
Gerald started as he heard the girls voice and
recognized her in the shadow. He stretched out
his clay-covered hand, then withdrew it and
laughed. Mrs. Cathcart, who saw tie action,
put on look of supreme astonishment-then
she recovered herself
''Oh, I forgot" she said to Eugenia. OF
course, you have seen Mr. Leigh before. May
we come in Mr.. Leigh"
He moved aside, and the ladies entered the
studio He placed his two chairs at their dis
posal. He wondered the while what had brought
Eugenia to him. He gave her q questioning
glance, but her eyes avoided his. Then Mrs.
Cathcart began She spoke in that smanner
which certain persons assume toward those
whom they are pleased to think their interiors.
II believe some time ago, you made bust of
my late brother-in-law. Mr.. Herbert, of Coombe-
Acton"
Gerald bowed.
II wish to have copy of it. Can you make
,ne?"
Certainly. In marbleg"
'Tn marble of course Hcwmuch will it cost"
1t was painful experience to Eugenia; to hear
her future husband talked to by Mrs. Cathcart,
much as that lady talked TO the obliging young
men and women at the various emporiums
which enjoyed her atronage.
''Mr. Herbert was my best friend, said Ger
AID my services are at your disposal"
'You do not understand me-" said Mrs. Cath
cart, coidly II asked you what it would cost"
Gerald colored and glanced at Eugenia. He
was utterly puzzled. 1t could only have been
through the agency of the girl he loved that this
new patroness sought him.
Mr.. Leigh was my fathers friend, aunt" said
Eusenia.
my dear! Mr.. Leigh is not my friend. 1
want to know his terms for marble bust"
Eighty pounds, madam" said Gerald, rather
shortly.
"Oh much too much Eugenia, do you not
think such price extortionatel"
Eugenia was SILENT but her cheeks burned
Gerads lip quivered with anger. Only Mrs
Cathcart was calm. II will pay you forty
pounds she said, ''but then it must be approved
by competent judge"
You have heard my terms, madam" said
Leigh curtly.
Absurd! I will even say fifty pounds. If
you like to take that you may call upon me-
Good morning. Come, Eugenia."
She swept out of the studio. Eugenia followed
her She looked back and saw Gerald's face
wearing an expression of actual pain For a
moment her impulse was to run back, throw her
arms round his neck, and defy every one. How
ever she did not yield to it, but followed her
aunt to the carriage.
"IIeall that young man a most common Ill
bred person." said Mrs Cathcart
Eugenia flushed. He is not she said, hotly.
''Your manner towards him must have been
most mortifying."
my dear child !" exclaimed Mrs Cathcart in
innocent surprise, "and l was trying to befriend
the young man! He presumes on his acquaint-
ance with your father. / always told your poor
father it was a mistake becoming intimate with
persons of that class"
Eugenia said no more. - II she had thought of
doing, it was not the moment to open her
heart to Mrs Cathcart She went to her room
intending to write to Gerald-but no letter was
written that day. How could she ask him to
call at her aunt's after what had occurredl
II love him, she said to herself, but am not
brave enough to give up all for him. Oh, why
did we ever meet"
The next mo. ming she received letter from
Gerald. 1t contained 10 reproach-only an en-
treaty that she would name a time when he
might see her. Mrs. Cathcart was true to her
duty. Before James Herbert was out Of bed she
had sent him word that a letter had come for
Eugenia. He went at once to his sister, His
greeting was quite friendly.
''Eugenia." he said, presently. "Of course,
by now you have put all that nonsenoe about
that sculptor fellow out of your pretty headp
1T is 40 nonsense"
"Well, if you mean to be obstinate must in
terfere Have you seen him sincel
Aunt went to his studio. was with her."
'She ought to have known better. If she
encourages you, we shall quarrel Do you cor
respondl Tell me the truth"