Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1884-1886, 1886-03-31
THE POTTER OF TANAGRA.

The sun had not even flushed the deer
blue of the heavens with its first radi-
ance. when the potter Charmide opened
the door of his house. All was silent in
the deserted street, except the splashing
sound of water from the fountain in the
center Of the neighboring square. The
young man dropped his head and re.
entered his dwelling: his impotence had
awakened him too early.
But sleep now was out Of the ques.
ton, so instead of again seeking his
couch he passed into the little court used
for workshop, and, lifting up small
tub that was turned down in corner of
the court, he brought from beneath it an
object in clay, which he regarded for
some time with feeling of respect.
1t was the image of an elegantly
formed woman, robed to the neck in
inclined forward, an arm extended across
the breast and the other carried to the
head. The features wore smile which
was charming yet modest, while the
eyes seemed to search those who re-
garded them. The young artist sighed.
The original of this statuette had never
vet favored him even with a smile.
He took the statuette and left the
house, directing his steps toward a
main street in the vicinity. He
stopped before a small house of inferior
appearance, and was about to knock
when the door yielded at his touch. and
he entered tagged court. The light
creaking of its hinges attracted the at
tention of an old woman who was oc-
cupied in sorting herbs.
What wantest thou. Charmide 2" said
she as she recognized the young man.
Il came after the garland that l
ordered yesterday of thy daughter re-
piled he.
She is in the garden gathering the
flowers and aromatic plants. Thou art
in a hurry, my fine lover. The sun has
scarcely risen,"
Charmide turned his head without a
response and went into the garden.
Under a clump of Towering shrubs, the
young man perceived the lithesome form
of Nais. In a raised corner of her tunic
she was gathering a bountiful harvest OF
plants and flowers. The morning dew
had dampened the folds of her robe that
chung to her finely formed figure. As she
raised her bare arms above her head to
reach the high branches, the artist could
but admire the grace and beauty of her
movements.
~Nais." called he in loud voice.
An echo came back from the rose
bushes. The young girl turned her head.
made a sign of assent, and approached
the young man.
Il fear that have kept thee waiting"
said she sweetly. Pardon me, but i was
up before day, and for an hour have
been out in the dew. but the garland is
vet too short. See, shall have to return
to the brookside for more"
She spoke in an accent soft and sup
plant, seeming TO ask grace for the delay.
The young man replied without pay
ing attention to her: Hasten; the streets
will soon be full of people. 1t will then
be too late
1t is, then, for your sweetheart" said
the old woman who had joined them.
1T would seem so, said Charmide in
gruff tone.
Nais twined dexterorsly the vines and
flowers into the garland, which already
began 10 lengthen under her nimble fin
ger. The young man regarded her
moment, then said: Il have not time to
wait: when il is finished bring it to me-
~Very WE'LL" said the young girl, with
out raising her eyes
A slight blush mantled her cheek as
she bent over the garland; but Charmide
had already departed.
Soon after as the artist was busy ar
ranging his tools for the business of the |
day. the door opened, pushed by timid
hand. and Nais stood on the threshold I
waiting for a word To enter.
Come in" said Charmide. aroused
from his contemplation as artist by his |
preoccupation as lover.
Il can not" said she: 1t is so heavy"
He approached to disembarrass her, !
but, governed by selfish thought
Gross the street" said he: Il will
carry the two ends of the wreath and |
thou shalt aid me in placing it on the
door,
She obeyed and started without reply |
But Nais did not seem imbued with
the sprightliness that she usually dis
played on such occasions. She stopped
before the house opposite that of the
potter's, whose deliberately ornamented
entrance indicated certain luxury
The young girl supported the burden
of the garland until Charmide had at
tached it to two iron rings. one on each
side of the door. destined for such offer
ings. She then waited until he went for
the statuette. which he placed on the
threshold in the midst of mass of
odoriferous plants.
1T is finished said Charmide. step
ping back TO contemplate the effect of
their efforts.
"Adieu." responded Nais. in a sweet
voice. without regarding the work. But.
Charmide, thou art preparing for myself
much trouble"
why"
ut is not for me to tell thee. How
ever. thou art to know that Chrysis is
more sensible to gold than to tenderness"
Charmide frowned.
AT this moment some one passing
stumbled against the statuette and broke
it in pieces.
Charmide was furious He knocked
violently, when the door opened and the
female slave of the beautiful coquette ap-
peared.
Thy mistress?" demanded Charmide.
inflamed with rage.
Daphne laughed in his face.
The insolent laugh of the slave brought
the potter to his senses.
Il did not come here TO be laughed at.
said he, with grave air. Il offered this
present TO thy mistress. because tine
statuette resembled her. Usually beau
.iful woman is pleased to have flatter-
ing image of herself: but Chrysis seems
to love only gold"
We'll" exclaimed Daphne. raising her
hands. what should we love: II thou
hast gold she will love thee"
Then thou inlnkest that L have no
chance of being loved:" demanded he,
depressing his anger.
None whatever. my fine fellow. rs
thou dost not have purse in thy hand
and that full of sounding pieces.
Then. with another ringing laugh of
contempt. she entered the house.
C,b,rn,;da remained an instant ilpd,a-