Connecticut western news., 1889-05-29
The Story of a Picture.
BY H. E. CLAMP.

It is about 10 o'clock p. m., the hour when life in its Gghtest and most frivol- ous form is on parade in the upper part of the citys 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 midnight. The crowd upon the pavements and in the hotels is frequently augmented for few minutes by persons leaving the theatres in the vicinity during the entr'acte for m airing, refreshments or cigars,
 The crowd on promenade is a motley one, composed for the most part of we'll dressed men and women, and from the animated tones and gestures, the gay jests and light laughter, distinguishable above the steady tramp of feet, the rat ting of cab wheels and the jingling of car bells, one might think that care rested but lightly upon the shoulders of most who are here.
 Among the crowd of busy takers, thoughtless idlers and devotees of pleas ure, walking at leisurely pace and with thoughtful air, comes man whose genius has already made his name 3 household word in many lands. It IS Godfrey Vail, the artist. The hand some, scholarly face, with its delicate white complexion, its large, soft, black eyes and sweeping black musta che which fringes his sensitive mouth, his graceful carriage and the plain but fault less style of his attire, stamps him easily as a man of superior type even to those who do not recognize in the lone indi- vidual the well-known figure of metro politan life.
 Above the jargon of sounds in the streets rise occasionally from side street the tones of a piano. organ, ac- companied by the voice of person singing some Italian songs. The artist pauses for moment to listen to the un- usually pathetic ring of this voice, and as he approaches it is struck by the ap- pearance of the singer. It is a young girl, about sixteen years of age, with a Madonna-ike face touched with look of most exquisite sorrow. Is it possible that the coarse-looking Italian wonder can have any connection with this lovely child2 It is not of this the artist thinks as he fingers, thro wing coins into the old mans hat. It 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 a color like the first blush of sun rise mantles her cheek. The artist is yet more charmed, although he diverts his gaze, still following the couple from street to street.
 Finally the organ is closed up and the two performers prepare to go home. Godfrey Vail approaches the Italian as he is about to go and touches him upon the shoulder.
 'Is it your daughter2' he asks, point ing to the girl.
 The man mods his head.
 'I am an artist and would like tc paint her picture" said Godfrey.
 The man shook his head in disap. proval.
 'If you will allow her to come to my studio every day for a month will pay you iberally.'
 'How much9' asked the man, gruff1y.
 "One hundred dollars" answered tho artist after moments reflection.
 "she would earn me more than that with the organ"
 ''Then we will say two hundred"
 A no hihu Q SiCCu was SdLlSucu, duu le consented 10 the terms.
 "When shall she commence7'
 Tomorrow, if it suits you," said tn, artist.
 ''Very well," answered the man, an6 Godfrey handed him his card.
 Godfrey turned homewards, pleased with his discovery. For long time he had meditated painting series O pictures representing the emotions Here is my Angel of Sorrow ideal ized already" he said to himself as h, pursued his way through the stil crowded thoroughfare home.
 The pretty Italian found Geoffrey Vail in his studio awaiting her visit or the following day.
 The strong light in the studio, where the curtains were purposely drawr back, revealed to the artist that he ha6 not been deceived with regard to he