The morning call., 1890-08-03

any other mortal. But it did not move me in the
on the floor. Then catching sight of ihe turtle
asleep on the table. raised my cane again TO
complete my work of vengeance Uttering pierre
ing screams, Ilka threw herself upon me and en-
deavored TO stay The blow. but her intervention
only seemed TO add fuel TO my rage. Again and
again my cane fell upon the earapace OF the es-.
Gaping reptile until 1t toppled over the edge OF
the table and struck the floor with sharp thump.
Turning TO the trembling. sobbing woman, WHO
had sunk into char, her voice choked with
tears. cried out In honest Indignation. although
this exhibition OF feeling rather staggered me.
go. perfdlous wretch, 90 your ways could
lifted you up. It's too late now. Go, and when
your business cards are printed send me one, for
know olher artists besides Duportail 70
1 don't remember now / reached the street,
but / could have almost sworn heard Ika's
voice resounding In the stairway repeating my
name. Perhaps 1t was mere imagination. All
that day tossed about III my chaise Tongue in
which she had often stretched her beautiful
form so 1.-THE, so graceful, SO supple, plastic in
'Can 1t be that she Is now lost to me forever Pr
was the question put to myself thousand
times. "Oh, Ilka, Iika beautiful Ilka, why is it
l cannot'hare you even as hate such creeping
creatures as seem alone able to move your heart
to tenderDesS?
1 passed sleepless night. All manner of
crawling beasts seemed ready to rush upon me
and revenge the death OF their companions. and
again and again / could hear Ilka's voice calling
my name IN tones SO sweet and tender that my
very lreart stood still and listened. i Gained
down somewhat toward the break of day and
caught few moments sleep. Determined 10
forget my sorrow by close application TO work, l
was early at my desk, but had scarcely written a
line when note addressed In a delicate school
girlIsh hand was laid before me. L had never
seen the writing and sat wondering whose it
might be. was half inclined to toss it aside
into pile OF other letters awaiting my attention
Tor 1t was my custom TO work a few hours before
attending TO my correspondence This tiny en-
velope, however, seemed to entreat Inc to open
il, and when had done so the blood fairly
burned in my cheeks | was from llka and con-
tanned these words:
"My dearest, hasten TO me. Pll give up every
one to be yours and yours alone. Pm not Tho
same inhuman wretch that was. j am changed;
OH so changed Your love has saved me. Come
quickly, for it seems as II this bliss must kill
me- but If can only die in your arms, shall be
satisfied. ILKA."
You may try to imagine the speed with which
l flew TO IlkaS side. Duportail was already
there pale with excitement, for Ilka was 10 have
begun posing that very morning. He had been
pleading with her to 20 at once TO his studio. but
10 his unspeakable amazement and disappoint-
ment she had absolutely refused TO- and had con.
temptuously tossed the 500 francs ON the floor
at his feet and ordered him to quit her presence.
Poor DuporIa The measure of his amaze.
| menT was not yet hlled but soon was TO
be, for the next instant the door opened, / APP
peared, and with wild cry OF joy llka threw
herself into my arms. Our tears fell as thick
and fast our kisses and vehement protesta-
tons OF love would permit DuportaiI was
speechIess, Medusaed, II l may use the express
sion. AS soon as Ika and 1 could bring
selves 10 a semblance of calmness, we told him
ALL and the truth In its staggering weight
rested upon him and he realized the full force of
The misfortune which had beiallen him, must
say was deeply touched by the spectacle of his
sorrow. But by degrees he recovered himself
and began TO coax, argue, plead, entreai, I'M
p0re.
Seeing that remained obdurate he flung him
self upon his knees and begged me with good
honest tears to give my consent for Ilka 10 pose
for his Diana.
But the full, deep. round and vigorous "Neyer!"
thai burst from my lips convinced him that fur
Their entlealy was useless.
Like man recovering from q fit, Duportall
staggered toward tile door aud disappeared
For me the world took on new glory, life
charm never dreamed ii possessed. l felt like
a Roman General crowned with lallrels and en-
tering the Eternal City amid the plaudIts OF
thankful nation, so great did my victory seem to
me. Not even Paris. when al a safe distance
from The Court OF Menelaus he looked upon the
beauteOus Helen, could iossibiy have expert
enced the supreme satisfaction that did in feel
ing llka's arms about my neck and listening TO
her burning words of love. But my bliss was
destined to be shor-iiyed, for Ilka's heart soon
tired OF It's new rate Of speed and 10 my horror L
discovered That her affection was gradually cool
ing.
On the third day was summoned to dine with
her in her little apartment. Dupertail was there,
so, too, was the gentleman with the black beard,
her betToihed, who, to save a beloved father
from penury, had few mouths previous brought
himself TO resign Ilka forever and return to
Hungary aud marry distant relative OF great
wealth; but The sudden death Of a rich uncle,
whose heir he was, bad rendered the terrible
sacrifice unnecessary, ana Mchel-such was his
name-had hurried back TO Paris to claim the
beautiful llka.
Deeply moved by DuportaiPs pltlful condition
for lie seemed 10 be suffering even more than
Michel magnanimously consented 10 allow
llka TO pose for The Diana.
In three months the wonderful picture was
completed. and Michel and i, with Iika, too,
quite naturally. had tie honor OF private view
of this magnificent work OF ant In the produc-
ton OF which We all three felt that we had taken
a prominent part. Mine? Might l not have
slain llka instead Of her pets?
THE END.l
Copyright, 1890, or The authors Alliance. AH
rights ia his English uerSion reserped.