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

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, il 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
great lord who stands in the presence
of q man of genius. Greuze's arrival
was most happily timed. The duke had
lovely daughter whose only dream
was of art; she must have q 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
never had said 1t 60 truly as now. He
loved Letitia as an angel in . woman's
form. she had 30 much 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
tn
smile, and nothing more; but do not
these make up happiness2 Greuze felt
that his love could be but brief dream.
1t was born Of folly, and must die be-
fore the chill of reason. A poor devil
adoring the Princess Letitia.
But loves time IL never lost Now.
since kings no longer wed with shep-
herdesses, Greuze felt that only one
wise course was open to him. to leave
the palace of Orr-thus taking away
nom 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 hia
eyes. like an enchantress. At the first
stroke of bis brush Letitia appeared by
magic on his canvas; when he walked
alone. memory summoned the young
princess to his side. One day, when,
perhaps to shut out from his eyes Lett
tia's sweet face, he was sketchinR viz.
gins head, the duke of Orr made him
visit.
"Are you not coming again to the
pelaceP" he asked. my gallery is de-
sorted. My daughter put away her
brushes when she lost her master.
Come back. come back. Since you
went away have enriched my collec-
tson by two heads Of Titan. Ny old
uncls would Ike copies OF them by Le-
tisia; come then. and help her again"
The next day Greuze returned to the
palace. pale and trembling ut the mere
idea Of meeting the young girl once
more. But that day he did not see her.
Letitta had fallen Ill with the grief Of
not seeing her master again. He be-
gan alone the copy of Titan. On the
following day. rs he was dreaming be-
fore his work. Letitia's maid approached
him with mysterious air. bidding him
follow her.
Greuze obeyed Ike child. He came
into room darkened by heavy curtains
OF demask; at the FIRST glance he saw
eLstitia in the shadow, lying languidly
on couch. Although pale 80 death,
she bluShed deeply when Greuze en-
tefed. She offered her hand in silence;
he fell on his knees to kiss H. The
princess grow radiant; she raised her
head and bestowed on GreuHe Q sweet
look from the most beautiful eyes in the
world.
"Ah. Greuze, I love you. Do not
condemn me rs an enthusiast; love
You. but"
!; She bowed her head, and seemed to
wait for q reply. Greuze knew not
what to say. He simply kissed Letitia's
white hand second time.
why should not tell itP love
you! But your"
Greuze was s&ill silent. lost In joy.
Letitis augored no good from this
silence- She withdrew her hand, and
turning away her head. began 70 weep.
At this Greuze Awoke from his dream.
ado love your" be cried. @Ahl Le-
titiai Behold mel am lost in ecstasy
Row that I zee you again"
You love mel" she joyfully sx-
claimed.
She threw herself In his arms, and for
Q second there was there but Q single
soul Greuze was the first to break the
spell -
-1Alasl" sasd he. IVA ne kss cA!ldEsa.