The Republican journal., 1898-02-17

allow ner tlne IOr her art. but the ADVENT
of this stately woman, whose costly sables
and rustling skirts seemed out of place
there, reminded her strongly of her
poverty and simple surroundings. She
bowed in her caller, and in a curiously
feminine mood thought of her own single
silken petticoat, bought at the Bon Marche
Tor twenty francs, got by selling copy
of a Greuze, and only donued on festive
occasions. She was glad to be reader
of English, she said, and her sweet, clear
voice assured her hearer of her fitness.
1t was settled THAI she should read for an
hour twice a week, the remuneration to be
live francs each time
When the splendid Russian had left, La
Petite Americana rushed TO the dormer
window, watched the footman lifting his
mistress into the shining carriage, and as
it ratified down the narrow street, she
clapped her hands and danced around the
studio. Then Selling a volume she got
before a mirror and amused herself a
moment by reciting aloud
Tell me not in mournful numbers
well. Five francs twice week. Ten
francs a week, 800 francs year. Mercy !.
What luck,
The silk petticoat should have suitable
the opening of the salon. Who was her
fashionable visitor? The card said Nine.
skobelotf, Blvd, Saint German. The
coronet above the name proclaimed the
lady of quality.
a day or two later she knew that she
read to an almost royal audience. Nine.
Skobelotf is princess of the most noble
lineage, of the bluest blood in all the
Russas Married to a leading diplomatic
representative OF his Government in Paris,
her home is palace whose gorgeous
furnishings ale in accordance with the
rank OF its occupants. The \ merican gill
found that a true woman heart beat
beneath the rich velvetS of the Princess,
and hel hours passed there savored more
of pleasure than OF toll.
The Princess took much interest in her
painting, and often sighed that she, too,
might have ambition above the frivolities
OF lie beau monde.
She delighted to talk of America, the
far away land which she had never seen,
and raised her eyebrows with much naivete
when informed that Chicago was not the
camp of Indians, nor was scalping done in
the streets of San Francisco. The beauties
OF the latter city, the home of the American
girl, fascinated her, and when shown views
OF the Golden Gate, the Seal Rocks,
and other natural allurements, she cried,
'Quel pays. Mon Dieut'
| There was a touch of bohemianism in
her makeup, for one day she proposed
that they should vary the reading of Du
Maurier's ''Trilby,' by drinking tea in
| the studio. Tea getting was not a task,
and they were deep in the history of the
model pour l'ensemble, when there came
tap at the door
| "What shall do exclaimed the girl
II don't know who it is
The Princess decided for herself, and
creeping behind screen, said: 81 will
stay in this place. Do not take of me
any notice"
Nine. Martinez entered in tears, sank
on the couch and sobbed out a doleful
account OF misfortune.
Il am starving, Nam selle. for two
days have eaten nothing, and now ! am
| turned into the street. | have not sou
and owe Il francs to the propretaire for
my rent Last night | slept in the Marche
Delambre. Jacques has sworn to kill
himself. What shall | do?'
La Petite Americana listened to the
old woman plant and sympat hized with
her. But what could she dc? Refuse to
Was small. She was making calculations
OF what was within her means, and had
concluded t. forget about the new dress
tor lille, when the Princess pushed
aside the screen and stepped out.
Nv hat is Jhs | have hearu?'' she said.
/ her voice trembling With compassion.
''You shall not want. Here are 20 francs
Satisfy yoJu landlord and eat warm
meal. l will look to your future
The pitiful face of La Martinez took on
an expression of wonder and JOY. She
felt the gold in her hand and her tears,
till now restrained, fell freely.
''Dieu Merci," She faltered, and Il.
bon Dieu yous benisse, madame"
Her tears were contagious. The others
became infected with her feelings and
( the studio witnessed an enhancing scene.
The old woman, the Princess and the
American girl wept together.
When the last two were alone, Nine.
| Skobelotf demanded the history of her
pensioDer. Her beautiful blue eyes were
still wet W hen she heard of the nine dogs
ted by La Martinez, and she wept again at
! the story OF the tortured kitten and the
sutferngs of its rescuer.
Here am |, - she said, ''whose every
wish is gratified, and this good woman
with nothing exceeds me i'll generosity.
at least may make her happy
She avowed her intention of buying a
home for her, and the next day commits
stoned her steward to buy the land and
build a suitable cottage in the suburbs.
1t was to be finished within the month.
On an appointed day the Princess. with
La Petite mericaine, went ip her carriage
to the hut OF the old woman, and taking
her with them, drove to the new dwelling.
When they descended they entered the
yard, which was set out with vegetables,
and in which was a chicken house filled
with feathered residents. The house had
two rooms and was plainly but comfortably
furnished.
The Princess took the hand of the good
woman. and leading her in, said, tYour
home in the future is here. This land and
house are all yours
There was no time for thanks, for
taking her young companion, Madame
Skobeloff departed, leaving the astonished
merchande de mouron on her knees, with
hands appraised to heaven.
That she kept her promise to sit for the
indirect cause of her happiness is testified
to by the picture which hangs on the wall
III the old building on Montgomery street.
GERTRUDE O. BRIEN.
Energy all gone? Headache? Stomach
out of order? Simply case of torpid liver
Burdock Blood Btters will make new man