The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-04-22

II said not that, Princess. will finish
it; but it must be with the help of another
face than yours; or from one of my own
imagining"
"But-Ol Signor. the Duke will be very
wroth. 1t is my face, and no other that he
deSiresn
II cannot help it, Signora he must be
wroth if he will. For myself my powers
are limited. am human, like other men.
Tell your guardian cannot do it."
"Ol Signor Zanoni! You will not per-
sist in this. Think how much the Duke an
citipates in the possession of the finished pic
ture-fnished with my portrait ON the can
vas. And, Signor-more than that-if you
knew how highly he praised you-how
much above all other painters in Parma he
holds you-if you knew how he almost
worships your genius-if you knew, | am
sure you would go on to the end as we have
begun"
The artist turned upon her a look that
frightened her In a moment the truth
burst upon her. She had known il before
or, at least, she had suspected it-had been
impressed by it-but she had struggled
against admitting it. Could she have had
her wish the work would have gone on; her
sittings under the light of his wonderful
eyes, and the charm of his matchless voice,
would have had an end-never. But under
the influence of that look the veil FELL and
the end came-the end of tranquil rest and
calm delight.
Again Zanoni controlled himself; and
when he next spoke his voice was steady
and solemn.
'Signora, we will not dispute. Let the
Duke feel as he may, cannot do his bid
ding further. Tell him ! will finish the pic
ture, but it must be after my own ideal.
| will remember your features if / can-if
not"
"Ahl Signor, can you so easily forget
me?"
"Forgetm He startled her again. eff
could paint a human Soul-if | could put
upon canvas that which lives forever-then
might paint yourself from memory. But
l cannot explain can feel it; and l do
know it; but cannot make it plain to an
other. Your message to the Duke is very
simple"
The Princess had become pale, even tc
wilderness; her hands were clasped over her
heaving bosom, and her whole frame was
moved by perceptible tremor. Presently
with an earnest, yearning look, she muir
INJURED, scarcely above a whisper, and in
broken tones:
"Zanoni! You wish that shall come
never-never-never-
He could endure no more. A moment he
white like marble; his eyes afame TO their
profoundest depths, and his frame quivering
at every joint.
"Sigonral Princessl Isabel Can you
not seea Wait. Let me think. l will
speak presently"
He took few turns to and fro across the
room, evidently fighting a mighty battle
with himself; aud when he finally stood be-
fore her again he was outwardly calm
She sat with folded hands, pale as be
fore, gazing at him with her soul in hel
eyes.
Lady, l will be brief. Years ago
long, long years to mel saw my mother:
mortal remains laid away in the grave. Il
was in a land far distant from this. o
how loved her! She was pure and good
| fear not to say, saint on earth. She was
gone, and my heart for a time seemed
broken. had one friend-Antonio Velas
ques, Murillos last and most favored pupil
With him [ gave myself to art and came t.
love it with passion that knew no bound
My tutor died, and once more [ was left
but not alone. / now had my art, and to il
l gave my love-my life. And from thai
time loved no other thing, if l except the
memory of things dead and gone. And
fully believed my heart would never know
the passion of love again. But | did MOI
know what the future held in store. | cam'
to Italy, and finally found a home in Parma
The place attracted me Here saw in tim,
face that reminded me of my mother
Need 1 tell you it was your own; and, ere
could realize the result, it came-a love 81
deep, so strong, so much part OF my life
that life seems death without it.
Isabel! Isabel. The words are spoken
They were forced from me. Pardon me il
have offended. Ny heart is o! gol-
90 and tell the Duke-n
He had turned away, and covered his face
with his hands, and while he struggled tC
speak further, he felt two warm arms flung
over his shoulders, and bowed head pill
lowed on his bosom.
"Isabelp
"Zanoni-Juanm
"Merciful Father in heavenl what does il
meanl Isabell-Olis it's it-lovep
"Ol Juanl Do not drive me away! Life
to me henceforth can be nothing without
the light of thine eyes, and the music OF
thy sweet voice. Yes-yes-it is lOve-love
for thee, and for thee alone Remember, l.
too, am an orphan. The Duke is good t.
me; but he is not one to love. | can say as
thou sayest-since my mother died have
known no love until [ met thee"
Isabel my life! myl love! Let me
look at thee, that l may know do not
dream"
AL JnaD moment JneY nedTu q ndnQ upon
the latch of the door, and scarcely had the
Princess sank back upon the ottoman, with
her face bent upon her hands, when old
Madelon, looking as indignant as she dared
to look, made her appearance.
"Dear Princess, I began to be frightened.
Do you know where the sun iSP'
II am sorry you lave been weary, Made
lon. Signor Zanoni had been telling me a
story that interested me. l will be ready
shortly"
When she was ready to accompany her
duenna she turned to the painter and gave
him her hand. A broad screen shut then
away from Madelon's gaze.
Juan, may come again9 You will
need lneH
Yes! Yes; forever God and all good
angels guard and bless theel"
CHAPTER XXI.
A MAD MAROUIS