The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-07-08
THE PAINTER OF PARMA
OR.
The Magic Of a Masterpiece
An italian Story Of Love, Mys-
terry and Adventure.
By sYLvANUs COBB, JR.
Copyright 1888 by Mary J. Coob.l
CHAPTER XVII

rangemepts had been made with the keeper
for the procuring of everything that should
be required, but Antonio had not been able
70 resist the desire 10 know If there was
ANYTHING more he could do. This was his
ostensible reason for the morning visit. Had
he confessed the true reason, however, it
would probably have appeared that he
wished to satisfy himself that the painter
was really atwork-that his st. Cecilia was
to be substantial, beautiful fact.
"signor, nhe said, when he had closely
scanned the various preparations which had
been already made for proceeding with the
work, II have no wish-no thought--to
hurry YOU. j would not have YOU on any
account, lose patience. Yet I wish you
would tell me, as nearly as you can, how
long a time you will require in which to
complete the picture"
"Has the Chief Justice asked you that"
"No," replied the ruler, quickly. "No
one has spoken to me on the subject at all :
but they may do so-either the Baron or
some one or more Of his colleagues, and
would like to be able to answer intelli-
any lord. let us call it-say three weeks
I shall probably have 1t complete in two;
but we may as we'll be on the safe side"
"You are right, Signor. We had best
take time enough. 1 shall call it three
weeks"
"And now, Duke" said Zanoni, looking
his patron squarely in the face and speaking
with full, deep meaning, 81 have bargain
to make with you; or, l had better say,
demand of you prOmise-a promise that
you shall not presSf1e to break. You shall
not look upon my painting, after l have
commenced work upon it, until the last
touch is given; until pronounce it finished
Will you give me that promisel"
The Duke hesitated. 1t was promise he
did not like to give. He had anticipated a
great deal of pleasure and satisfaction in
watching the work grow toward perfec-
ton Would the painter ask him almost
anything but that?
my lord, " pronounced the prisoner, with
a look and tone not for one moment to be
mistaken, you must make your choice
You may have the st. Cecilia, perfect as |
can create it, on my terms or, you may sign
my death warrant forthwith"
'Zanoni You are not seriousl You"
Hush! 1t is useless to argue or to dis
pute Do l look like a man who would
trife!"
There was a solemnity-a pathos-a depth
of power and feeling in the voice of the
painter that impressed his hearer as he felt
he had never been impressed before He
give up his picture. The last he could not
do.
MY lord" added Zanoni, while the Duke
was struggling up from the great disap-
pointment-he spoke with touching gentle
ness and humility, 81 have a reason-a rea-
son deep and dear to me-for making this
demand. 1t is no mere caprice, no whim it
is a purpose of mine, which | cannot ex-
plain; but l tell you this In the end. when
CHI oil h "a YliN
ture, if you do not forgive me for the
course | have taken, will bid you hold me
in memory as false and recreant friend-a
traitor~
"Enough!" said Antonio. And in the
depth of this emotion he put forth his hand,
and gave the painter warm embrace.
You have my promise. From this time |
will not look upon the picture again until it
is finished. | may look at it now!
Yes
And the artist went to the. canvas and
lifted off the curtain that had covered it.
The Duke gained favorable position and
looked upon 1t long and earnestly. Its pos
sibilties of surprising beauty and excel
lence were already apparent, and already
was there a startling beauty springing into
life in the face.
at is Isabel's facet" the gazer whispered
in Il sort of ecstacy of wonder and delight
Wait until it is finished and then tell me
If you know it," Zanoni replied in like
whispered tone.
OH you will not alter it; you will not
print another face"
MY dear Duke, will follow my inspira-
ton. You have my promise that you shall
be content in the end.n
Il must be satisfied. But you will pre-
serve the dear face if you canp
You shall be satisfied. Be sure Of
that"
For little time longer the Duke gazed
upon the picture, and then turned, slowly
and thoughfully. toward the door. With
his hand on the latch, he stopped, and looked
back.
'Sgnor Zanoni, repose in you the full
est confidence. l shall leave you to your
work; and, since | am not to see the picture,
shall not come again until the two weeks
are at an end. Should it be complete be-
lore, you will send me wordn
i will, my lord"
"Then-for the present leave. Heaven
prosper and keep you"
And with this Antonio opened tho door,
witch had been left unlocked during his
stop, and passed out from the painters
presence
.. An hour later Zanoni was at work.
Inc prison was forgotten; the dead Count
ana the living Notwithstanding for the
tlme WIS banished from his memory save
the work beneath his hand and the inspira-
uon that gave him guidance.
lie worked slowly and with exceeding
care Every touch of the magic brush
brought the face of the saint nearer to life,
nearer to perfection. Occasionally touch
would be put on that he must blot out or
change, but not many He saw the end and
wrought surely towardit
30 the hours passed and the days. The
Keeper himself Maraccini-wated upon
MN, diligently and kindly, supplying him
WIN everything he required, even anticpat-
ing MS want when he could.
"A week-six days-had passed, when, one
evening" the keeper said, as be was about to
carry the supper tray to the corridor,
Where servant was in waiting to receive
Signor Zanoni, you will miss me to-mor-
row. am called away unexpectedly and
tnlperauvely, but my lieutenant will do all
you want Your already know him."
-, les" replied tho painter. II shall get
alohg very well with him; but | shall miss
You trust you may be prospered, and
tlat good fortune may attend you. You
naVe been very good TO me, Signor Marac
Sliil and II my life is spared long enough. or,
II !, can gain time from this other work
WIN PAIN for you something that you will
prne IN the coming time and that your
'nllIren may prize after you"
-, SgEor! cried the keeper, in an ecstccy
y. deIght, you shall certainly have the
uine. Tic Duke shall give it. All! | can
noV Tell you how happy you have made