Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-05-30
Ill.

The Private View at the Academy was
crowded as ever, spite of the additional
accommodation afforded by the spacious
rooms OF the new building. X. AS and
Al A.'s and a host Of budding and as
vet undecorated artists mingled with the
CAV throng OF butterfly beauties. These
were arraycd in all the glories OF the rain
bow: drnped in arrangements" OF every
variety OF fashion, past, present, or to come,
from the Conquest down to the days OF our
own good and gracious Queen.
Paul was irresistibly drawn to his own
picture. portrait of Lady May Bramston.
IL was well hung, although above the line.
Standing before 1t was "A tall and graceful
woman. from under whose small black bon
net a CLEAN OF FURNISHED golden hair es-
capped. The artists quick eye noted the
effect OF TIE sunlight in bringing out the
warm tones.
First rate back study" he reflected, as
he waited patiently to see II the front view
was equally good. Turning slightly to re-
fer 10 the catalogue, he saw an oval face,
with clear. wel-cut, straight features.
pure, colOrless complexion. dark curling
iashes frlnging the downcast eyes, con-
scious Of and annoyed ut his admring
gaze. A faint color slowly rose in
her cheeks, adding marvellous bright
ness and life to the, hitherto statuesque
beauty. She had apparently found the
artists name. when, looking up, their eyes
met, hers with q startled look i'll them. The
ROSY flush died out OF the face, and az she
abruptly turned away iewelled pencil
dropped from her trembling fingers. Paul
stopped, and, raising his hat, restored 1t to
her. Silently she bowed her thanks and
passed on. What haunting likeness was
there In the face, what vague resemblance,
recalling longs ince lost and forgotten
memory?
Isabel Gray-yes-she the poor model,
might have been ike this majestic beauty,
this glorious womau-had she, too, been
happy, rich, and in n similir position.
From room 10 room he followed her, AZ,
looking straight before her, needless OF the
crowd. she hurried on. In his eager pur-
suit he stumbled over u gorgeous peacock
ieather-tr,mmed train. An ominous rent
was the result, as with an ahiect apology
he sought TO free himself from the hope
lessly involved draperies. He was tearing
the train and himself away, when the in
dignant wearer confronted him.
"Lady Sieynham The angry frown
at his awkwadneSs subsidized. the dark face
lighted up Win picl>tut shlic, 'il Out-
stretched maDy-butt0ned lavender hand
was extended in friendly greeting.
DON PablO!" she exclaimed. The
foreign title conferred upon Paul by the
fair widow was "a tribute 10 his emine0t!y
Spanish appearance, artistically enhanced
by tue picturesque style be affected. 81
am delighted to see you. Pve been longing
TOR an intelligent and sympathetic guide
| through this bewildering labyrinth Of
| genius and beauty. How fortunate! Never
| mind the gown; these damages are easily
repaired. Hush not word" She gath
| cred up the folds Of the train. and resting
her band lightly on bis arm, continued:
"Take me 10 see your picture. | am
dying 10 know il they have done Justice 20
your genius and Nays beauty"
The uniucky man was button-holed. ant,
when at last, pleading an important en-.
gagement, he made his escape, the fair un
known had vanished. Inquiries Of the man
| at the turnstile resulted IN the information
that lady answering 10 bis description haC
| lust passed through. tie dashed down tn
stairs too late. A victoria was driven away
as be reached the door, ard rs IL turned
into Piocadilly he had a vision OF a lovely
profile and CLEAN Of golden hair,