The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-08-22

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 The prince allowed me to look at the masterpieces of art of which he was the fortunate possessor, and then paused be- fore striking picture-the one of which he told me he desired the most faithful copy in my power to produce. He fur ther added that the subject of the DOT trait was an ancestress of his, and that it was by Moreno, that prince among DOT trait-painters.
 My admiration of the work seemed to make Prince Gherado think he should account TOT parting with it; and with something of frown on his handsome face, he said: "The lady was a Bandi. nelli, and her family having long wished for the portrait, l have at length decided they shall possess it."
 l bowed, and was soon left alone
 Placing my easel in the most favorable position, studied the portrait attentiyely for good half hour, and came to the conclusion that no light task had been assigned me The picture represented a girl of about twenty, and was entitled simply "Amaranthe." It was of three quarter length, and the lady's appear ance fascinated me at first sight; but her charm became less the more the features were studied. She wore dress of dark amethyst velvet, with curious gold orna- ments. About the throat and wrists there was some lovely lace, and she car. red ian of feathers in her hand. The face was of a delicate paleness and beautifully formed; the mouth rather large, and with firm, clearly-cut lips. A well-modelled nose and marked eyebrows gave it character. The forehead was broad and low tho eyes of an exquisite gray, with lashes SO dark and long they seemed to give violent shade to the pupils. And most noticeable of all was the magnificent wealth of golden hair, which hung down without band or rib bon, being loosely plaited from the shoulders. As studied the picture l came to believe that the lady had bean one who would be cold friend and a remorseless toe. may have wronged "Amaranthe;" but the portrait had all tue life-like charm that tho best pictures by Morone possess, and believe re- vealed her character.
 Prince Gherado took great interest in my work, coming often to watch it's pro. gress, and giving mo hints which showed him to have great knowledge of the technical part of the artists profession lie used to como at all times, and never twice together entered by the same door, till at length had an uncomfortable idea that he watched me, and that these unex- pected appearances were to test my indus try. Hs was, however, always extremely pole, and expressed nothing but satisfac- ton with my work.
 One morning chAnced to be earlier than usual at the palace, and found the windows had not been uncovered. The servant who followed me went to one of them and to the other, and when the heavy blind was raised, l remained few moments looking out The window was rather high in the wall, and standing on the floor, one could not see into the gar den below. l knelt on the broad win dow-seat, and from my elevation looked down into tho enclosure, gay with flowers and with fountain splashing in the cen- ter. Facing me was wall, then another garden, and long low range of white buildings. As watched, door in the center of these opened, and out trooped bevy of nuns. They looked like merry schoolgirls as they frisked round and round the garden walks. Their dress of black and white was oddly finished off Sy an enormous Tapping straw hat, tied down with Slack ribbon, completely con- cealing the face, and as unlike as possi- 1 ble to the head gear of any order of nuns when seen outside their dwelling
 What convent is that ?" inquired.
 It belongs to the order of St. Catesi- na," was the mans answer; and as he passed me to leave the room, he said in suoduedAvoice: Ut was from there that the princess came"
 The princess had not heard of her and found myself once or twice wonder ing what manner of lady she was.
 That afternoon, as was working away at the hair of Amaranthe, the door on my right opened, and the rus.ling of dress betokeaed the presence of visitor rose from my seat as the prince entered with lady, from whose face could not withdraw my eyes, so strangely did she resemble the portrait l was copying. How well knew the features But the face of the livng Amaranthe bore only sweet, amused expression as she said See, Gherado, the signor is struck with NnS hhChCSS1 anu AQV4uCtuS 10 mo, Sl0 continued with merry laugh: That Amaranthe Bandinelli was my ancestess. Are wc not alike ("
 ! stafnmered some reply, but the words did not come quickly. To sit for days in front of canvas copying the lineaments depicted thereon till you know every curve and line, and then to find beside you the picture come to life !-without a word of warning-this was so strange az experience that 1t took away my self-pos- session for a moment.
 The princess was about to tell me more, and began saying; That Amaranthe was not a" when the prince interfered, saying: Basta you must not interrupt the signor. Doyou like his work Look at it."
 His voice was harsh, peremptory and the young wife's face changed a hard look came into it, and the likeness 10 the picture was intensified. She spoke no word, but gszed ixedly on my work for a few mom ante fhs~. v,sth a Statal,, e,.r