The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1891-09-04

and that Ealis Sciea5ii ca1lF determined
would induce Z perfect happiness. When
ne talked thus. | felt could afford TO be
Indifferent 70 the insinuations and play
FIJI sallles of Miss Kingsley and Mrs.
Marsh They might think what they
chose of our relations IF by the exer-
else of sympathy and counsel / could re-
generate miGn of strong Individuality
and striking natural gifts from the thran
OF self indulgence. fig for the idle voice
OF gossip.
Ii is difficult for me 10 analyze more
closely than | have done my feelings
and thoughts during the period in which
| studied the principles OF moderation.
But the events of three days al its close
are indelibly impressed upon my mem
DRY. For several weeks during the au-
tumn Paul Barr had heen hard at work
upon u picture IN regard TO which he
had seen fit to be mysterious, although
be became enthusiastic as to its merits
before IL WIS nearly finished. No piece
OF painting that he had ever attempted
was SO satisfactory 20 him. he said, both
IN the way OF conception and perform
ance. So confident was he of its excel
lence that began at last TO share his ex-
element, and expressed wish TO see the
masterpiece. But he WIS resolute IN his
determination that no one should see it
until its completion, and least of all /
Curious as | felt concerning it-for
one could never be sure that Paul Barr
was not a genius was IN no haste to
have the picture finished, for the artist
own sake. So deep and breathless was
his interest that he had become regular
IN his hours and habits He seemed to
realize that the best work required a
steady hand and an unwearied eve. IF /
took some slight credit to myself for this
change IN his methods it was not unnat-
ural, and yet was not SO far elated as
to feel wholly confident it would Last
When he had put the finishing touch TO
his wonderful creation would ne abstain
from the dissipation and self indulgant
idleness that was apt O follow any con-
cenration on his part? liked TO be-
heve that this would be the case. and as
cherished the idea il grew almost into
absolute faith
/ have sand that Aunt Agnes and
were on pleasant terms. but there was
one speck ON the mirror of her serenity
which threatened at times to mar the
whole 1t was my intimacy with Mr.
Barr. Some one had informed her-l
have no doubt it was Miss Kingsley
that he was much IN my society, and
that we behaved like lovers. | had
learned by this time not to allow my
awe for Aunt Agnes to.prevent me from
defending myself: but | found e1culpa-
ton difficult matter IN this instance
on account of the character of the other
offender She styled my attitude hypo-
critical, because | parleyed with the en-
envy Even assuming that there was no
Irritation between us-Of which she was
by no means convinced-what right, she
asked, had l. as neophyte of recent
standing. TO be on terms Of intimacy
with the arch advocate OF the school of
thought most opposed to that which
professed?
L mention this IN order to explain why
had of late been more chary of my
sympathy IN my interviews with the
artist, and had given him strict orders
that he was not to send me any more
fruit and flowers However much
might desire his welfare, self respect
required that | should not let our
friendship become SO conspicuous as TO
attract general attention. Il was short
~ after | issued this mandate that he
began the picture TO which | have re-
ferred; but the Immediate result of my
words was fit of angry dependency.
Two days before Christmas he came to
me and said the picture would be fin
ished and ready for exhibition on Christ
mas eve, and that he wished me to see it
first of all Would l come to his rooms
on that afternoon? As he saw me hest
tate he clasped his hands with SO pite-
Gus an expression that chose not to say
no. Why not after all, thought 1 It
was unconventional to be sure. But
matrons were out OF date and superfu-
GUS IN the artistic world.
Did not Miss Kingsley go about freely
80 studios and wherever the needs of her
profession called her? IF she were safe
from familiarity why should not I be? /
had strong belief IN the magic circle of
respect which surrounds thoroughly re-
fined woman IF | refused the artist
request | was certain to disappoint him
sorely 1t was a small enough favor,
argued, TO grant TO one who had been
striving bravely TO overcome his evil nat
ure at my insGgation-
Mr.. Barr's studio was ND seven flights
of stairs IN the French roof of building
which had no elevator, and had doubt
less been chosen by him on account of
cheapness and light Breathless, paused
on the last landing ON the afternoon of
the day before Christmas, and in response
to my knock was greeted by the black
beard and large eyes of the artist ap-
pearing round the edge of the door. As
ne threw If wide open he gave cry OF
pleasure, singing the while at the top of
his lungs the air he played that evening
at Miss kingsley's when he flung him
self down before the piano after tea
sat last, at last, my goddess! 1 have
prayed for this hour" he said, bowling
low
lstOpped short IN the middle of the
room. IF you do not wish me to leave
you instantly you must cease all such
language and unEeemly conduct. Ihave