The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1895-04-03
GREUZE'S ROMANCE.

As soon as Greuze had become rich
enough he desired. like all truly in
spired 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
q man of genius. Greuze's arrival 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 first saw Letitia, the artist
asked himself if the lesson would not be
for him, for she was natures master
piece. The lesson proved good for
them both. "Genius comes from the
heart" Greuze had already said to him
self on more than one occasion, but had
never said it SO truly as now. He
loved Letitia as an angel in 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 ineffable emotion which
rises like incense from the earth to God.
This, like all other happiness, was
soon to pass away; it was but a glance,
a smile, tear, and nothing more. but
do not these make up happiness?
GreuZe felt that his love could be but a
brief dream. 1t was born of folly and
must die before the chill of reason. A
poor devil of painter could but lose
his time in adoring the Princess Letitia.
But loves time is never lost. Now,
since kings no longer wed with shepher-
desses, Greuze felt that only one wise
course was open to him-to leave the
palace of Orr, thus taking away from
Letitia her love, her regrets, and tears.
He took refuge in solitude, seeking to
escape the image of Letitia, but her face
smiled everyw here before his eyes, like
an enchantress.
AT the first stroke of his brush Lett;
appeared by magic on his canvas; W
he walked alone memory summf
the young princess to his side. One l.,
when, perhaps to shat out from his eyes
Letiti;fs sweet face, he was sketching Z
virgins head the duke of Orr made lin
a visit.
Are you not coming again to the
palace?" he asked. My gallery is de-
serted. My daughter put away hel
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 meeting the young girl once
more. But that day he did not see her
Letitia had fallen i'll with the grief o.
not seeing her master again. He begar
alone the copy of Titan. On the fol
| lowing day. as he was dreaming before
his work, Letitia's maid approached hin
with mysterious air, bidding him II
follow her.
Greuze obeyed like child. He cam,
into a room darkened by heavy curtains
of damask. At the first glance he saw
Letitia in the shadow, lying languidl.
on couch. Although pale as deatl
she blushed deeply when Greuze enter
ed She offered her hand in silence
He fell on his knees to kiss it. 1h
princess grew radiant. She rai,ed he
head and bestowed on Greuze a swee
look from the most beautiful eyes in th
! world.
"Ah, Greuze, I love you. Do not con
| demn me as an enthusiast. l love you
| but"
She bowed her head and seemed t
wait for a reply. Greuze knew nc
what to say. He simply kissed Letitia'
white hand a second time.
why should 1 not tell it? I Low
you. But you?"
GreuZe was still silent lost in Joy.
Letitia augured no good from hi
silence. She withdrew her hand, an
turning away her head, began to weer
At this Greuze awoke from his dream
DO l love you?" he cried. AL
Letitiai Behold me! 1 am lost i
ecstasy now that see you again"
you love mel" she joyfuly e1
planned.
She threw herself into his arms, an
for a second there was but a single sou
Greuze was the first to break the spell
"Alas!" said he, 1--WE are but children
Think of it. Letitia. You love me? BU
you are the daughter of the duke {
Orr. l adore you; but am a poe
painter without fame or fortune. Low
mocks me cruelty"
"You do not know what you are sa,
ing" replied Letitia, who was still III
der the charm, Il love you and wi
marry you; it is perfectly simple"
"You cannot think Of it. Your fatht