The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-11-16
PANSY'S PORTRAIT.
The Startling Illusion Which
Transcribed on Canvas

Transcribed on Canvas
The following story used to be told
by an artist, "a little queer in his
mind" whenever he could get lis
tener:
The sign upon the 6oor-post of my
dwelling commended me to the public
as ''Carl Vincent, Artist" but the pub.
lie did not seem much interested in the
fact, and | had begun to realize that
time is long, life short, and money
ditto.
My landlord wanted his rent, and
there was so little of the true Bohemian
in my nature that l wanted TO let him
have it.
1t was bare little room, that studio
of mine. l had neither old tapestry,
tiger skins or bric-a-brac to embelish it
with.
The artist life | had dreamed of when
] left my fathers country home to come
TO town seemed fading into a foolish
dream. They had refused my picture
at the academy, and accepted that daub
of Tompkins'. and life looked very dark
to me.
had arrived, in fact, at rather des-
perate state of the blues, when became
aware of a dumping noise upon the
stairs-the sound of heavy boots and a
cane.
As the sounds ceased at my door, /
opened the window, put my pipe out
upon the ledge, shut the easement
again, and seized my palette and mahl-
stick. The next instant short, i'm
portant knock was followed by the ap-
pearance of gentleman. who might be
described as also short and impatient.
'.Vincent?n he inquired.
bowed.
He looked over the bannisters, which
were very near the door, and called to
some one below:
'Come up; this is the right place. -
their appearance. One was matronly,
pretty, rosy and overdressed, and en-
tered my studio confidently, looking
about her, and at me, through a fold
ing eye-glass, in condescending man.
ner.
The other was young, pale and beau
tiful. Looking at her one thought OF
lilies of the valley before rude hands
have plucked them from their stems.
She followed the others with bent head.
and eyes vailed by great almond-shaped
lids. ] might have fancied her manner
a curious sort of affectation but for the
meek and childlike simplicity of her ex-
preston.
! hastened to do the honors of my
studio, and placed seats at once. The
elderly lady rustlcd into hers. The old
gentleman lowered himself into his
cautiously, as though he had had eX-
perienceS of chairs which were not re-
liable. The young girl did not even
notice the bow with which offered hel
another. She giided past me, and be.
came absorbed in contemplation OF 9
picture which hung at the farther enc
OF the studio
his throated and inquired, abruptly:
did you do Stunts?"
Il beg your pardon said l, greatly
bewildered.
Il said. did you do Stunts?" he re
nlied: Stunts. and Mrs. Stunts, too,
think, and their little boy?"
| began to understand that he spoke
a. a rich grocer whose portrait had
Painted.
Il had that honor / replied.
You got him down fine" said the
gentleman. WAS it your idea or hi:
10 have that package of 'digestiblt
gustative grains only ten cents the
half pound, on the table at his elbow?'
His entirely said, flushing lit
tie; for that rather illegitimate addition
TO a work of art had been a sore subjec
with me ever since Mr. Stunts exhibited
his picture at the art gallery of which
he was patron. and the critics had al
luded to it humorously. His own en-
tirely, assure you"
lit was a capital idea, whoever
struck it." said the old gentleman. Sd
thought of having something of the sor-
introduced into mine, but my wife herr
don't think it would be the thing"
Il agree with the lady," said L
I'm in notions myself said the
gentleman, land many thing might
be worked in. But no matter. Settle i
between you. don't know much
about art. but can pay for the pictures
You can do US both. I'll wear swal
low-tail, and / want Mrs. Cranch Il
have low neck and short sleeves anG
diamonds. You can do diamonds, sup
pose, Mr.. Vincent?n
1t was not a time for a show of pro
fessional modesty; so l declared that
could DO diamonds.
That's all l stipulate for, besides the
neck and arms" said Mr.. Cranch
swell, when can you do us, Mr.. Vim
cent?"
made pretense of examining my
engagement book before 1 chose thu
morrow for the first sittlDgs.