Iuka reporter., 1890-09-04

when the door-ben rang, and it was
Rupert himself who answered the sum.
mons.
"Mr. Arnim ?" inquired Boyden, in his
most suave manner.
THAT is my name, sir"
Il came to see you upon business"
"Will you kindly come in?"
Once inside the pretty studio with
the doors closed, Boyden began the
skirmish.
"In roundabout way" he said,
which have not at present the time
20 explain, have heard of your re.
markable genius as portrait painter
"Oh, sir, you are really too flatter.
ng," interposed the artist.
Not at all, Mr.. Arnim; you need not
seek to depreciate one of heavens
choicest gifts. Being patron of ris.
mg artists myself, l had thought to have
Tou paint my portrait as surprise to
NY friends and the world at large, in
.act-that is, of course, if you have the
leisure"
Leisure! Rupert smiled outright al
ibis intimation.
Il shall be most happy to undertake
The work at once, sir" he said.
Every good! Shall we let the sit,
angs begin tomorrow 2"
IF you please"
Boyden, whose eyes had lost no
single detail of the apartment during
The brief conversation, hereupon rose
ind began to saunter towards the easel
lpon which rested canvas concealed
by piece of maroon cashmere
I'm that case. :" he said "I should be
very glad il you would call upon me
this evening to arrange all necessary
preliminaries in order to avid delay to-
morrow. My name is Boyden, and
am staying at the Brevoort House in
Fifth avenue. Am / asking too much,
perhaps?"
"Not at all, Mr.. Boyden; I will call
with pleasure"
about 8 o'clock, then? I dine out
this evening, and if should be delayed
a few minutes, you will not mind wait
ing, will you?"
Rupert was about to assure him that
he might take his own time in the mat
ter, when to his annoyance he saw his
visitors hand outstretched towards the
cashmere that hid his Madonna from
view, and ere he could offer the least
remonstrance, the cloth had futtered
to the floor and the portrait of little
Oracle Garland stood revealed in all
its startling reality.
Startling, indeed it must have been
to cause Max Boyden to recoil step
and catch his breath in an audible gasr
of surprise.
Quick o lightning, though he could
scarcely have explained it'll the young
lovers suspicious we're aroused.
"Do you recognize the face, Mr..
Boyden ?" he asked with bated breath.
Boyden had recovered his composure,
for he replied with utter sang troid::
mo; I only wish I did. Why do
you ask?"
II thought you seemed struck by it,"
so l am. 1t is one of the most
beautiful faces it has ever been my
fortune to look upon. Is it ideal?"
"No; it is the portrait of friend"
"a friend! All, Mr.. Arnim, con
gratulate you. Undoubtedly you are
painting it con anaore."
Falling headlong into the trap SC
cleverly prepared for him, Rupert
blushed to the roots of his fair hair al
he replied:
"Not necessarily, sir; the young lady
is friend of the family-in fact she is
one Of our household"
with well-feigned regret, as he stopped
and replaced the cashmere; II should
grow envious of you if looked at il
long. Well, then, this evening. Au
reUoir!"
And with the charming nod and
smile of which he was perfect master,
Mr.. Max Boyden took his leave.
Translated to the seventh heaven OF
delight, Rupert Arnim went bounding
like great schoolboy through the mar.
row little hall and burst into the
kitchen with glad cry of:
"Mother Oracle! Congratulate mel
I have an order for Portrait"
Both women turned from their work
with start of happy surprise.
IAN order for portrait, Rupertl'
exclaimed Mrs. Arnim.
"Of q rich person, I hope" interposed
little Oracle.
"Oh, yes; think so!' replied the
artist; "he was dressed in the height
of fashion, had beautiful ring on each
hand, and lives at the Brevoort House
in Fifth avenne. Oh, I'm sure I've
struck it rich this time, mother!"
What is the gentleman's name, my
boy?'
Oracle turned pallid to the lips and
leaned heavily backward upon table
for support.
Oracle, my childp exclaimed the
good woman; "you are ill"
"No, no." faltered the girl, quickly
passing her hand across her eyes, as
though for a moment stricken With
blindness; "only faint from-from the
heat of the room"
ut is too warm here" asssnted Mrs.
Arnim. Rupert, open the window,
and do you go into the studio where it is
cooler, Oracle; I can finish the work
"No, Mrs. Arnim," pleaded Oracle;
please let me remain with you; you
see I am all right again" And turn.
ing to young Arnim with q smile that