The Forrest City times., 1899-09-29

u
He had told his servants he was going
away, but had not told them where.
1t was wrong, decidedly wrong; but he
took certain ferocious joy in it when
he thought how he himself had once
pursued these same editors and man.
ayers.
Eugene had at last discovered that
his inamorata was widow, wealthy
and OF good family. Her full name
was Leonie de Nores. He had never
told his love, but that she was blind
to it was impossible. Yet she was GER
tainly blind to his painting, for she
expressed her admiration of it with an
enthusiasm that made Eugene vince.
But one day, when he was, as usual,
attempting to transfer her to canvas, a
particularly atrocious tree which he in
troduced in the background attracted
her attention.
Jacques" said she. don't you think
that you are-that you are-well,
you're losing little of your skill?"
What" shouted Eugene.
II mean-that is-I'm afraid that
keep you from your work SO much
that"
II only hope that you may keep me
from it forever" returned the amor
Gus Eugene. And so the dangerous mo-
ment passed.
But this state of affairs could not
last forever. One fine day, as Eugene
was seated upon a divan thinking of
his lady-love, who had just departed,
who should enter but Jacques Bruhiere.
Yes, there he was, with his attendant
carrying his umbrella, his sketch
books, his camp-stools, his baggage
true artist from the country. The
false one trembled as he thought that
his dream was over. Had he been a
Borgia he would have slain his friend
As he was not, he pressed his hand
warmly and babe him welcome.
But how could he extricate himself
from his dilemma? How could he an
swer to high spirited woman for the
deception he had practiced upon her?
AS to persuading Jacques to consent
to any arrangement for keeping up the
deception, that was out of the ques-
ton; where his art was concerned the
painter would prove as deaf as a post
and as unmanageable as balky horse.
So Eugene was puzzled.
Finally bright idea occurred to him.
"Why not" thought he, "give comic
turn to the affair? If properly done,
Leonie will be disarmed She is easily
moved to laughter, and then 1 will ex-
plain and beg her forgiveness"
Alas! Poor. Eugene's idea was not
happy one.
The next day when Leonie appeared,
it was Jacques who met her at the door
He was in blouse, cap and carried
palette and brushes.
Can l see NJ. Bruhiere?" she asked,
with some little surprise.
THAT is my name, madame" replied
the painter.
''Iou Jacques Bruhiere." said she,
with an amused laugh and she pushed
by him and entered the studio. You
the great painter? No, mol" and she
seated herself and looked at him de-
family.
But if she was at her ease in the
studio, he was more so. Her quick
woman's eye noted this, and on the
easel there was already begun can
vas in which she recognized the mas
ter's touch. Leonie was becoming ill
at ease. She picked up little Hindoo
god which stood on the table beside
ner and fingered it nervously. Her
hands trembled, the little monster
slipped from them and dashed to pieces
on the floor
The artist stepped to the wall ana
rung the bell. The door opened and
servant entered, clad in livery and wear
ing an apron-rendered necessary by
the fact of his cleaning brushes.
''Did monsieur ring?" he asked.
Leonie stared at him and grew white.
"Yes, Jean" replied the artist. Gath
er up the fragments of this trifle, which
madame has unfortunately broken.
Now" said he, turning to Leonie, " if
madame win kindly inform me to what
l owe the honor of this Wis
He stopped. Her white, set face, her
staring eyes, frightened him.
"a lackey!" she hissed; "a base
lackey! And I have loved this heart
less. cruel, lying wretch"
With sudden impulse of fury she
snatched ap pretty toy, silver
poniard, which lay upon the table, and
sprang at Eugene. Quick as flash
the artist dashed between them. But
quick as he was, he was too late. The
poniard struck Eugene in the side, in
flicting a deep wound. AS he did so,
Leonie uttered shrek and tainted
away.
Eugene's comedy had become
tragedy.
Truly pretty sight for the studio
of an honest, hard-working painter"
groaned Jacques Bruhiere, as he gazed
upon the two PROSTATE forms. This
comes of obliging your friends. Catch
me doing it again."
n
Three years had passed. Leonie was
in the brilliant salon of Comtesse de