The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1890-05-20
THE CHOCOLATE Girl.

brOusly, lInpeded by tee wet snow. Squads
Of cavalry, booted and furred, dashed
through the town on their way to the out
posts, their horses hoofs Gathering against
the frozen ground.
Sentinels, wearing the uniform of the
Prussian army, paced before the royal
palace, and from lace draped windows
peeped out the blonde heads and rosy faces
of young girls, who scented firtations and
adventures in the electrical excitement
pulsating in the air.
Frederick II had peacefully invaded
Dresden after the bloOdless battle of Pima,
and the inhabitants, who had been left IN
molested, were awaiting the result of the
arbitrations between their own monarch,
Augustus the Strong, and the stern young
Prussian king.
In the face OF a foreign invasion and the
presence of strangers who spoke their own
tongue and were almost OF their own blood
the Dresdeners had lost nothing of their
accustomed gayety. In the drawing rooms
they danced and sang, in the restaurants
they ate and drank, and days and nights
few swiftly.
But nowhere did conquered and conquer
ors meet on such terms Of perfect good fel-
owed his nickname TO the excellence of his
chocolate and the beauty of the girls who
served it.
On this winters day the place had been
crowded with officers, and when late in the
afternoon their brilliant uniforms had van
ished in obedience TO the roll Of drums, the
tables were quickly taken by band OF art
lists and students, clad, according to the
customs Of the time, in motley garb, Dor
rowed from every age and every cline.
Standing out boldly even against the mass
Of color about him was the tall, handsome
figure of Frenchman costumed as a Turk.
A crimson fez rested lightly on his crisp,
dark curls. Beneath the jacket Of pale blue,
embroidered in stars and crescents, the full
red trousers fell to the white Ieggings.
Around the waist was knotted a soft sash
stuck full of swords and scimitars This
was Liotard, the handsomest man and the
first painter in all Dresden.
In his hands the artist bore huge porce-
lain vase, which he carefully placed on a Ia
bic, and turning his laughing eyes full on
beautiful young girl who advanced to serve
him, he said:
Tomorrow, mademoiselle, is the fete Of
Saint Cecilie and also your birthday. VIII
you permit me TO offer this vase as a gift?
See," he added with graceful gesture, sit
is my own work, and among my pretty
shepherdesses none rival your own beauty"
The girl blushed and hesitated But,
monsieur
The artists bold eyes noted her confusion,
and with ready tact he guessed the cause.
''Do me the honorto accept, l beg of you,
and in return | shall ask a greater favor
the privilege of painting your portrait"
Celie still hesitated, but her eyes rested
longingly on the vase-an almost perfect
piece Of Nielsen porcelain. She was young.
She had true appreciation of the beauti-
full, and this rare treasure she well knew
could not be purchased by years wages.
But after moment she resolutely turned
from the temptation.
''No, monsieur; I thank you. 1 cannot
accept"
Sure of his power, the handsome artist
bent over her.
And why impossible, dear child? Let
me at least make the attempt-but per-
haps," he added, teasingly, you fear to
trust my poor brush?"
A gay laugh greeted this sally, and Nine.
Cocoa, seeming an advertisement for her
husbands cafe, now advanced to Celie's
side and urged her to consent.
But Celie still shook her head firmly,
and turning TO her employer murmured a
few words, among which only Louis"
fear" Jealousy were distinguishable.
But nonsenser' exclaimed madame,
Struggling her plump shoulders, you are
a silly child. Accept the vase; twill look
well among the wedding presents, and
grant Monsieur Liotard mis- wish. The
best portrait painter of all Saxonyl Your
lover will be only proud"
Madame Cocoa's speech was greeted by a
burst of applause and the merry clinking
of glasses.
"a toastl A toast to the model"
A place was cleared by the window, and
eagerly Liotard arranged his materials on
the nearest table The girl, still Flushing,
stood before him.
Outside the snow had ceased falling, and
the late sunlight stealing through the win
dow streamed caressingly over the ideal
face and figure, rested amorously in the
bright hair, turning its amber threads to
shining bronze, touched the velvet cheeks
with deeper glow. left a loveler uarnine
on the curving mouth and boldly kissed
the throat and forehead, powerless TO tar
hish their purity. And the eyes! Those
marvellous eyes. yelling with heavy fringes
their frank and tender glances-they, too,
were fecked with the sweet suns gold and
Hmpid with suggestions Of youth and love!
The classic contour Of the face was framed
in pale rose colored cap.
Over the close fitting yellow corssge was
modestly crossed a lace fchu, the ends
tucked under full white apron. Beneath
the short gray petticoat peeped out the
tiniest Of high heelcd big buckled shoes,
and balancing a little tray with indascTiba-
bic grace, in her long, transparent fingers,
the lovely Celie was posed for that immor-
tai pastel now n the Dresden gallery.
The students followed with hreathless
attention the rapid movements Of the art
list. who used his brush as il every mo-
ment were grain OF precious gold
The Gathering of cups ana saucers had
ceased Absolute silence reigned IN the
cafe
Suddenly the stiffness was bzp5en By d
CRY of rage;
Monsieur forbid you 20 conunre."
Every eve was turned toward the door
4 young man had entered unobserved and
was regarding the scene before nm WIKI
flaming eyes.
After moments pause Iiotard. who had
ceased his occupation, replied inSolentlv;
4 receive commands Hom TO man, and
whoever you may o., Go not know what
rights You have over chis young lady.
whose portrait ! am pain5in; with her free
consent. SPEAK, Celic, IS this not trues"
Before the anguish IN her lovers face
Ceiie heslJatea; then, Cisdainizg 10 bctray
her love 10 curious g!aaces. She rGls.d aeI
head AauEhIily:
'Iou are right, monsieur. ! beg yon tc
continue"
You hear" said the artist with an i'm
pertinent smile.