Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1899-07-06
An Afternoon 0t Mr.. PeQ|e'S.
By CLINTON ROSS.
Copyright, 1899, by Clinton Ross.

. sAANAN' anu DdCh W uOle Iu6
effect. In the shadow CT the rear of the
room Don Juan Mirialles, the unac-
credited representative of his Spanish
majesty, nodded approval, yet made the
very remark of Washington Irving, a
generation after. '.No artist catches his
best look y
"No, NJ. Mirialles, " said Mr., Peale
''That maddens me.
"stlll, | like it, y said the don, wag-
ging his head wisely. 81 must have my
copy in a hurry
Its keeping pace with the original,
and, indeed, is almost an original it.
self There it is against the wall be-
hind the screen. They are nearly alike,
are they not?''
Eyes, said the don critically. 81
can hardly tell the difference, de-
clare.
wait until they may be finished,
Mr. Peale interrupted irritably.
"But they appear almost so now.
.'Oh, yes, to you; but it's the last
touch that tells. / never know. Per-
haps | may not be able to put on that
last touch which leaves a portrait liv-
ing
Don Mirialles smiled at this exhibit
tion of the artistic temper and asked
how many times the artist had done
that subject.
Let me see-tirst in 1878, when the
three miniatures Of the Custis children
were done in addition, and then that
bust study was made that is in the Gel
lar. Since, the general has given sit
tings in 1875 and again in 1878 But
he changes. the artist went on
"The spirit acts on the face. said
the other sympathetically.
eyes, Mr.. Peale said, land per-
haps you have to see bit into a man 8
heart to paint him properly, and the
heart of man of action never beats
two years alike
Don't forget that in my copy, mon.
sieur. l suppose can't cajole the coun
Gil to let me have this. But l don't
know that / wish it. Mine will be al
most as good. .
"You may believe shall do what
may, said the painter, remembering
how generous patron was this noble
man.
The visitor was sure that Mr.. Peale
certainly had and would, in view of
the fact that his Spanish majesty wished
to look on the face of that wonderful
general of whom the world was now
talking.
Mr.. Peale's black servant, Burton,
brought in wine and cakes, when Don
Mirialles' enthusiasm increased. I'm
fortunately he went on in the vein Of
explanation he must act in America
through the French minister, but that
would not be always. When he return
ed to Madrid, he would make them un-
derstand that the king of Spain should
recognize the United States.
Now he rose and babe Mr.. Peale a
courteous good day. He had round of
visits to make.
Alone, the painter touched the can
non on which his subjects hand rested
Yes, more was to be done on the face,
but his visitor had frightened the mood
Perhaps that last sitting would give
the impression he lacked.
When Burton announced Miss Ron
aid, he sighed and threw his brush
down petulantly. For moment he
could see every line Of Eleanor Ronald S
charming figure. Her portrait had been
a labor CT such devotion as the artist
may give to subject appealing to his
temper.
"Well of course, show her here he
said at last.
And, rising, he pulled his coat into
some shape and ran his fingers through
his hair
"Oh, Mr.. Pealel' said a laughing
voice
Yet in some way the face did not
laugh. He saw how serious this delight.
full person was.
'Do be seated, he began clumsly.
But she had walked across to the
Washington and was gazing at it with
questioning eyes.
"What is he like 2" she asked.
"Oh, don't know Every body has
an opinion.
tsAnd there IS the portrait. said she.
smiling.
ooh didn't say thatl' said he.
II know you didn't, you delightfully."-
modest man, but did. .
She turned her gloves with her fin
gers as she faced him.
''You told me he would be here this
afternoon, she said.
"Ah. | did!"
eli want to see him"
II beg your pardon. but I am afraid
he would not like it. he said bluntly
"You must have seen him often. .
"Yes-yes-that isn't it. wish to
see him when he is not thinking of
duty. He's in town but for two days.
might go to his quarters and find he
was too busy just to meet girl
"The most charming young lady in
Philadelphia, said the gallant Mr.
Peale. trying to apologize for his blunt
ness.
ooh, you needn't say that" she said
YEARLY. 81 am the most miserable y
Her eyes filled with tears. Poor Mr.
Peale fdgeted.
81 shall be glad, but I am fearful he
will say ought not-charming as you
IL ~