The Washington times., 1894-11-07
The St0l0n P0rtraik.
A ROMANCE IN TIE LITE OF GREuzE.

As soon as Greuze had become rich enough,
be desired, like all truly inspired painters, to
make the tour OF Italy. He took with him
several letters Of introduction, one of which
did him good service, If not for the acquisition
OF fame, at least for the knowledge OF love.
Immediately after the entertainment made
for him by his friends OF the Academy, he
went to the palace OF the Duke of Orr. This
nobleman received him very graciously, in
the manner of a great lord who stands in the
presence of a man Of genius. Greuze's ar
rival was most happily timed. The duke had
a lovely daughter whose only dream was of
art: she must have a master. Greuze would
meet the need as well as any other.
When he nrst saw Letitia the artist asked
himself if the lesson would not be for him, for
she was natures masterpiece. The lesson
proved good for them both. Genius comes
from the heart,' Greuze had already said to
himself on more than one occasion, but never
had said it so truly rs now. He loved Letitia
as an angel in a woman's form, she had so
much of grace divine and human. He did
not love alone; the souls OF master and pupil
had bloomed on the same day. like two roses
in the same sunbeam. As yet it was scarcely
love that existed between them. but rather
that inefable emoticn which rises like incense
from the earth TO -od.
This, like all other happiness, was soon to
pass away. 1t was but a glance, n smile. q
tear, and nothing more. But do not these
make up happiness? Greuze felt that this
love could be but a brief dream. 1t was born
of folly, and must die before the chill of rea-
son. A poor devil OF a painter could but lose
his time in adoring the Princess Letitla.
But loves time is never lost Now, since
kings no longer wed with shepherdesses,
~
open to him. to leave the palace Of 0rr-tnus
taking away from Letitia her love. her regrets
and tears. He took refuge in solitude, seek
ing to escape the image of Letitia; but her
face smiled everywhere before his eyes, like
an enchantress. At the first stroke of his
bru.h Letitia appeared by magic on his can
vas; when he walked alone, memory sum-
moned the young princess to his side. One
day, when, perhaps TO shut out from his eyes
Letitia's sweet face he was sketching Nir-
gins head, the Duke of Orr made him visit.
Are you not coming again to the palace?"
he asked. MY gallery is deserted. My
daughter put away her brushes when she lost
her master. Come back, come back! Since
you went away have enriched my collection
by two heads of Titan. My old uncle would
like copies Of them by Letitia; come then, and
help her again"
The next day Greuze returned to the palace,
pale and trembling at the mere idea of meet
ing the young girl once more. But that day
be did not see ner. Letitia had fallen i'll with
the grief Of not seeing her master again. He
began alone the copy of Titan. Onthe follow
ing day, as hewas dreaming before his work,
Letitias maid approached him with mys-
terious air, bidding him follow her.
Greuze obeyed like a child. He came into
a room darkened by heavy curtains OF dam
ask; at the first glance he saw Let1tia in the
shadow, lying languidly on a couch. Although
pale as DEATH she blushed deeply when
Greuze entered. She offered her hand in
silence; he fell on his knees to kiss 1t. The
princess grew radiant; she raised her head,
and bestowed on Greuze a sweet look from
the most beautiful eyes in the world.
"Ah, Greuze, love you. Do not condemn
me as an enthusiast; dove you, but"
She bowed her head, and seemed to wait
for reply. Greuze knew not what to say.
He simply kissed Letitla's white hand Sec
ond time.
"Why should not tell it? love you'll But
you?"
Greuze was still silent, lost In Joy.
Letitia augured no good from this silence.