Middletown transcript., 1893-08-12

EI aSm dG WnlCI
you all laugh.
had determined to do great work, ant
l found everything here wanted
light, views, climate and models. Ou
friend Trenoweth introduced me to the
place, gave me inestimable hints, ant
(no use shaking your head, Jasper; you
shall not always hide your light under
bushel) in every way made me al
home and comfortable. We were
much together, for he was, or said be
was, interested in my work, and ap.
proved Of my subject. Sometimes
painted out Of doors, favored by the
soft, gray light and equable climate for
which this place is famous Sometimes
1 would work in the studio, and often,
taking pity on my loneliness, Treno-
weth would drop in here in the evening
and we would talk-as he alone can
make any one talk. Altogether it was
very pleasant, and am not sure that |
felt pleased when one evening he
strolled down here to show me a letter
he had received from one of our fra
ternity asking to hire studio for three
months in order to complete picture.
''The handwriting was bold and
clear; the signature at the end of the
simple, concise words only, 'M. Della
porte.' We discoursed and speculated,
about M. Delaporte. We wondered if
he was old or young, agreeable or the
reverse; if he would be bore, or
nuisance-fn fact we talked a great
deal .aboutShim during the week that
intervened between his letter and ar
rival. Trenoweth saw to the arrange
ments of the studio. 1t was No. 2 he
had agreed to let, and gave directions
as to.trains, etc., and then left me to
welcome the newcomer, who was to
arrive by the evening train. I'had
been out all day, and when | came
home, tired, cold and hungry, saw
lights in No. 2, and thought to my
self, MY fellow artist has arrived, then.
Thinking it would be only civil to give
him welcome, walked to the door
and knocked. A voice called out,
'Come in!' and, turning the handle, |
found myself in the presence of-a
womanl For moment was too sur
prised to speak. She was mounted on
q short step-ladder, arranging some
velvet draperies, and at my entrance
she turned, and, with the rich hued
stuffs forming back ground for the
pose of the most beautiful figure
woman could boast of, faced me with
as much ease and composure as-well,
as l lacked.
"'Mr. Trenowethp' she asked in
quiringly.
''Her voice was one Of those low,
rich, contralto voices so rare and so
beautiful.
"sI'm not Mr.. Trenoweth,' said,
'I'm only an artist living in the next
studio. IL came to see if Mr.. Dela-
porte had arrived; l beg your pardon
for intruding.'
DO not apologize she said
This studio is let to me, and
you are very welcome
9 To you?' said somewhat fool
ishly. Il thought you were man.
:sShe laughed. Il have not that
privilege she said. But 1 am an
artist, and art takes no count of sex.
[ hope we shall be friends as well as
1eighbors.'
81 echoed that wish heartily enough.
Who would not in my place, and with
% charming companionP There and
hen I set to work to help her arrange
her studio and fix her easel. The pic
,ure seemed very large, to Judge from
he canvas, but she would not let me
zee it then. l forgot fatigue, hunger,
everything. thought l had never met
, woman with so perfect a charm OF
manner. The ease and grace and dig
,ity of perfect breeding, yet withal
rank and gracious cordiality that was
IS winning as it was resistless. But
here-what use to say all thisl Only
when once begin to talk Of Musette
Delaporte feel could go on forever.
"That was a memorable evening.
When the studio was arranged to her
she made me.some tea with
, little spirit.lamp arrangement she
had, and then we locked up the room
md took her through the little vii
age to try and find lodgings. OF
course, Jasper and I, having decided
that M. Dalaporte was man, had ex
pected him to rough it like the rest of
as. I could not let her stay in Irene
wlyn itself, but took her up the hill
,ide to farmhouse, where | felt GER
ain they would accommodate her. She