The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1889-07-24
CONSUE.LO.
An "Angel of Sorrow" and an
CANCEL of JOY"

1t Is about ten o'clock p. M, the
hour when life in its lightest and most
frivolous form is on parade in the
upper part Of the city's great artery of
traffic-Broadway.
Madison Square is brilliant with a
thousand lights; the great hotels are
thronged with idle groups, while up
and down the sidewalks continues the
steady stream of foot passengers which
will not diminish much before mid
night. The crowd upon the pavements
and in the hotels is frequently aug
mented for few minutes by persons
leaving the theaters in the vicinity
during the entr'acte for an airing, re-
freshments or cigars.
The crowd on promenade is motley
one, composed for the most part of
= well-dressed men and women, and
from the animated tones and gestures,
the gay jests and light laughter, dis
tinguishable above the steady tramp
OF feet, the rafting of cab-wheels and
the juggling of car-bells, one might
think that care rested but lightly up on
the shoulders of most who are here.
Among the crowd of busy takers,
thoughtless idlers and devotees of
pleasure. walking at leisurely pace
and with thoughtful air, comes a
man whose genius has already made
his name a household word in many
lands. 1t is Godfrey Vail, the artist.
The handsome, scholarly face, with
its delicate. white complexion, its large,
soft, black eyes and sweeping black
mustache which fringes his sensitive
mouth, his graceful carriage and the
plain but faultless style of his attire,
stamp him easily as a man of superior
type, even to those who do not rec
ognize in the lone individual the we'll
known figure OF metropolitan life.
Above the jargon of sounds in the
streets rise occasionally from a side
street the tones of piano-organ, &C
eompanied by the voice of person
singing some Italian songs. The art
ist pauses for moment to listen to the
unusual pathetic ring of this voice,
and as he approaches it is struck by
the appearance of the singer. 1t is
young girl, about sixteen years of age,
with Madonna-like face touched with
look of most exquisite sorrow. Is it
possible that the coarse-looking Italian
yonder can have any connection with
this lovely child? 1t is not of this the
artist thinks as he fingers, throwing
coins into the old mans hat. 1t is of
how that lovely face would look on
canvas!
Suddenly the girl sees his ardent
gaze and her eyes droop to the ground,
while color like the first blush of
sunrise mantles her cheek. The artist
is yet more charmed, although he di-
verts his gaze, still following the couple
from street to street.
Finally the organ is closed up and
the two performers prepare to go home.
Geotfrey Vail approaches the Italian
as he is about to go and touches him
upon the shoulder.
lis 1T your daughterp" he asks,
pointing to the girl.
The man mods his head.
II am an artist and would like IN
paint her picture" said Geoffrev
The man shock his head in dis,n-
prevail.
IF you will allow her to come to nv
studio every day for month Twill pay
you literally
"How much?" asked the man, gruff1y.
Zone hundred dollars" answered
the artist, after a moments reflection.
"She would earn me more than that
with the organ"
Then we will say two hundred"
The mans greed was satisfied, and
aeeonsented to the terms.
When shall we commenceP"
Tomorrow, il it suits you," said
the arts.
aerS ans man, and |
oeofrey him
sSeoffroy Irhed home leased
si'a his very. For me
~ ~ mad M, tfs"' .rainting IS
pictures rept ting the 81 |
a. nero s my ral of Soy.
.aealized llready.v id to hims,
am, he pesnsd his " through the
FPsls crowded hroaghfar acme,