The Yale expositor., 1896-03-06

took his stand Annette, free at last,
slipped across the road, and the old
madame robed tie girl in the ball
gown and fastened her soft filthy curls
lii knot nigh en- her head with quaint
tortoise-shell comb. Wrapped in cloaks,
tho two stole down the street and en-
tered the tall building. They threaded
their way among the dusty bags, scar
ing the silvery-coated mice, and
climbed the stairs to the artists studio.
When his eyes fell upon the vison
OF loneliness madame presented to him
they shone with a new light. Love?
Well, part love and part artistic rap
ture, but in either case Annette was the
cause. The little Frenchwoman clapped
her hands and laughed joyfully.
did I not tell monsieur he should
see? Have I not fetched him worthy
model?"
Always during the sittings madame
sat decorously by, knitting industri-
ously, but keeping a sharp eye out,
as became chaperon. Not the slight
est symptom Of love-making. escaped
her. The portrait grew beneath the
brush as If the very fairy Of good luck
had lent her spell to the artist" Never
had his palette glowed with such colors
ncr had such hitherto impossible tints
blossomed forth. Every detail OF the
fresh, young face became familiar to
him, until at last from the canvas look
ed forth the sausage vender's daughter
in the grand DANES robes, as beautiful
as the proudest lady in the land.
II can do no MORE" sighed the artist.
Then madame arose, and, taking the
girl by the hand, led her toward the
door.
Monsieur has no longer need Of u.s."
she said. "Adieu"
But the artist would not have it SO.
He pushed past the old Frenchwoman
and stood before the girl.
Il love you, Annette" he cried, will
you not marry me?"
Tut, tut" said madame. You must
speak first to M. Laubeau. We will
have no bold American manners here.
Ii he consents, then Annette may think
of you. Come, Annette"
1t was indeed true that madame had
brought good luck to the poor artist.
The portrait was sent to picture deal
er. In less than week 1t was sold, and
orders had come through the dealer,
enough to set the artist busy. He went
to thank the old Frenchwoman.
THE good people like something
fresh," said madame. Monsieur might
hnVa in MI
been melancholy till he died. Good
luck would have none of him. One
must be brave and smile to win for
tune"
II owe everything to you," said the
grateful young man.
"Ah, true" returned madame, nom
chalantly, "but tell me, have you yet
won M. Laubeau's consent?"
ALAS! He refuses me Annette's
hand. He will give no reason"
1--WE must learn" said madame.
Leaning far out of the window of her
tiny shop, she beckoned frantically to
the sausage vender across the road.
He came, followed by Annette.
why it is M. Laubeau refuses his
daughter to the young monsieur who
loves her truly?" asked tho French
woman.
Il could not get on without Annette"
grumbled the old man; there would
be none to cry hot sausages."
True, true" said madame, but must
the young people be unhappy for this?"
81 am DID," continued the sausage
| verder land I have but Annette. If
yield her to the young monsieur who
will care for me?"
LET me think" said madame. "Ah,
I have it! 1t is said only the yuang
should wed, but say it is we'll to be
comfortable in ones old days, and
companion is needful. If M. Laubeau
wishes 1t will reconsider the proposal
made to me years ago; he shall fetch
the sausage and stand across the road
an6 set it herein front of my shop.
The priest shall make us one and my
al xxysl1 I1t