The Washington times., 1894-11-07
She withdrew her hand, and, turning away

Dub WllnuTeW ncT uhl1us uAuy luIuluR away
her head, began TO weep.
At this Greuze awoke from his dream.
''Do l love youi' he cried. ''Ah! Letitia!
Behold me! / am lost in ecstacy now that
see you again."
''Iou love me!' she ioyfully exclaimed.
She threw herself into his arms, and for a
second there was there but single soul
Grouze was the lrst to break tho spell.
"Alasr' said he, I'VE are but children.
Think OF it, Letitia. You love me? But you
are the daughter of the Duke Of Orr. l adore
you; but | am poor painter without fame
and fortune u. owe mocks me cruelty"
you do not know what you are saying"
replied Letitia, who was still under the
charm; II love you, and will marry you; 1t is
perfectly simple"
you cannot think Of it. Your father
"1Iy father my fatherl / am quite aware
that he has in view for me a hideous old hus-
baud. his everlasting Cazsa-or. in case he
should fail, that idiouic Count Pallerl whom
have neuer seen. am rich fortunately, by
inheritance from my mother. | give you my
wealth, my heart, my life, all that I have, if
You will love ne forever. We will go TO
France, and there a cottage Will be better TO
us than 4 palace. Greuze will become n
Titan, and [ will be his wife. l shall be
there 10 smooth his brow and TO love him;
shall dwell in hi heart. But why do you
IooE so sad? Do you not love me truy?'
the claims of nobility; with Letitia he built
tho most charming castles III Spain; but he
soon came 10 himself again.
'Alasr said he. why am 1 not grand
dukes'
"What a child you arer' said Letitia
''What are those sounding titles worth? What
do you want OF them?'
And as she spoke. the lovely Italian leaned
toward her lover like gracious fairy. took
his blonde head between her delecate hands
an gave him on the forehead a kiss so sweet
that it would have awakened Alain Charter.
THERE said she. with q charming smile,
'is not that as good rs any tltle?''
But hey were obliged 10 part. Greuze
went away happy, deeply charmed, promis-
ing 10 come again the next day.
Tomorrow. said Letitia, you shall not
90 away alone"
Cncc out OF the palace. however. the painter
felt that Eden lay behind him. Farewell. en-
chaulmeHt. Grcuze becomes reasonable once
more: he dares nor give himself up TO the
poetry of his adventure
"No." said he. no; l will not bring desola-
ton 10 the house of this noble Duke of Orr.
Lelitia IS blind; must see for her." He gave
up ali his illusions and his hopes; his love
alone remained.
The next day. when he came to Letitia. he
was pale and heartbroken, his victory had
cost him many tears.
1 love you too well, because 1 give you up,
my holiest and purest Joy. Yesterday was
mad, / listened only TO my heart. To-
| day"
Are you serious?'' cried Letitia. almost in
anger. Then you do not love me. You have
broken my heart. Co Let me suffer alone.
l will never see you again"
And she waved him to the door. Again
Greuze had not the strength to Withstand so
much love. He threw himself at her feet, and
swore 10 obev her like a slave.
''Then, said she, resolutely, ''let US leave
at once. NJ father is with Count Palleri;
when he returns we shall be far away. A car
riage is at the door; / have provided for
everything; | vas not afraid like YOU
She drew GreuZe to the door of the cham
ber, and cast last look behind her. She
suddenly grew pale, and Greuze felt her
tremble
what is it, Letitia?" he cried, seizing her
hands.
Look" she replied, growing still paler
''look.'
She was gazing wildly at her fathers
picture. II was one of Greuze's portraits.
and. like all his heads, it had so tender and
sweet an expression that ones heart was
touched at sight of it. The duke seemed to
reproach his daughter sadly for leaving him
thus In her heart, which throbbed violently,
her father contended with her love. Greuze
I
4 cannot co. said she; Support me,
and lead me back"
"I, too, have no strength" he sadly re-
piled. lone last kiss, Letitia, before your
fathers eves-and farewell forever"
She began to weep, held out both hands to
Greuze. and said, in broken voice:
Il thank you. Farewell"
Five weeks later the Duke of Orr again en-
tered the artists studio.
MY dear Greuze." said he "my daughter
greatly desires you to paint her portrait. Can
you come tomorrow"
The next day at the palace of Orr, the
painter found Count Palleri carelessly en-
bracing Letitia, who blushed at the sight of
Greuze.
my daue hter is married. said the duke.
Had l forgotten to tell you of it?''
The painter bowed to hide his breaking
heart.
He found courage to paint the portrait
Twice he was alone with the young bride; the
first time she gave him lock of her hair; the
second, one last kiss, with tear. When the
head was finished Greuze carried the portrait
to his studio, to give. as he said. a last touch
to the accessories; but the next day he left
Rome like thief, carrying with him that
treasure Of art and of love.
HARRIET Fl. MCCLURE.