The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1895-02-13

Think of it, Letitia. You love me? But
you are the daughter Of the duke OF
Orr. adore you; but am q poor
painter without fame and fortune. Love
mocks me cruelty"
You do not know what you are say
ing" replied Letitia, who was still un-
der the charm; II love you. and will
marry you; 1t Is perfectly simple"
"You can not think OF il, Letitia.
Your father"
my father. my fatheri I am quite
aware that he has in view for me hid
eous old husband. his everlasting Cazsa
or, in case he should fail, that idiotic
Count Palleri. whom / have never seen.
I am rich, fortunately, by inheritance
from my mother. I give you my
wealth, my heart, my lie, al that I
have, If you win love me forever. We
will 60 to France, and there 8 cottage
will be better to as than O palace.
Greuze will become Titan, and will
be his wife. l shall be there 70 smooth
his brow and to love him; shall dwell
in bis heart. But why do you look so
sadP Do you not love me trulye"
Greuze allowed himself to be led; he
forgot the charms Of nobility; with
Letitia he built the most charming cas-
ties in Spain; but he soon came to him.
self again.
"Alas!" said he. "Why am I not q
grand duke?"
"What child you are!" said Letitis.
What are those sounding titles worthP
What do you want Of themP"
And as she spoke the lovely Italian
leaned toward her lover like q gracious
fairy, took his blond head between her
delicate hands. and gave him on the
forehead kiss so sweet that it would
have awakened Alain Charter.
"There!" said she. with q charming
smile, sis that not as good as any titleg"
But they were obliged to part. Greuze
went away happy, deeply charmed,
promising to come again the next day.
Tomorrow, said Letitia, "you shall
not 60 away alone"
Once out of the palace. however. the
painter felt that Eden lay behind him.
Farewell, enchantment! Greuze be-
comes reasonable once more; he dares
not give himself up to the poetry of his
adventure.
"No." said he. mo; I will not bring
desolation to the house Of this noble
duke Of Orr. Letitia is blind; / must
see for her." He gave up all his illu-
sions and his hopes; his love alone re-
mained.
The next day, when he came to Lett
tia, he was pale and heart-brokeN; his
victory had cost him many tears.
"Ah! Letitia. said be, Il am sad. be-
cause / love you too well; because /
give you up, my holiest and purest JOY.
Yesterday was mad, ] listened only to
my heart. To-day"
"Are you serious?" cried Letitia, al
most in anger. Then you do not love
me. You have broken my heart. Go!
Let me suffer alone. I will never see
yosl again e-
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 to obey
her like slave.
Then" said she resolutely, "lat us
leave ct once. My father 10 with Count
Paherf; when he returns we shall be
far away. A carriage is at the door;
have provided for everything; ] was
not afraid like you"
She drew Greuze to the door Of the
chamber. and cast last look behind
her. She suddenly grew pale, and
Greuze felt her tremble.
What is it. LetitiaP" he cried. seiz-
ing her hands.
Look" she replied, growing still
paler, "look!"
She was gazing wildly At her fathers
picture. It was one Of Greuze's por-
traits, and. like all his heads, it had 20
tender and sweet an expression that
ones heart was touched at sight Of it.
The duke seemed toreproach Bis daugh-
ter sadly for leaving him thus. In her
heart, which throbbed violently, her
father contended with her love. Greuze
dared not speak.
Il can not 60" she said; support
me, and lead me back"
y, too. have no strength" he sadly
replied. "Ons last kiss, LetitiA, before
your fathers eyes-and farewell for
ever"
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 entered the artists studio.
'My dear Greuze," said he, @my
daughter greatly desires you to paint
her portrait. Can you come to-mor-
row."
The next day at the palace Of Orr the
painter found Count Palleri carelessly
embracing LetitiS, who blushed ct the
sight Of Grouse.
@My daughter is married." said the
duke. Had forgotten to tell you OF
itp"
The painter bowed to hide his break
ing heart.
He found courage to paint the pOr.
trait. Twice be was alone with the
young bride; the 6rst time she gave
him lock OF hsr hair; the second. ons
last kiss. With tear. When the head
was finished. Greuse carried the por-
trait to his studio, to give. a. be said. Q
last touch to the accessories; but the
next day he left Rome like q thief car
rying With him that treasure OF art and
of love.-FYona the French.