The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1899-07-04
An Afternoon Of M. PeQe'S.
[copyright. ls9e, by clinton Ross.l
By CLINTON BOSS.

S-->>s' 49, >esA $500
room Don Juan Mirialles, the unac-
credited representative of his Spanish
majesty. nodded approval, yet made the
very remark of Washington Irving,
generation after. emo artist catches his
best look. -
''No, NJ. Mirialles, /" said Mr.. Peale
.'That maddens me. ~
''Still, like it, said the don, wag-
ging his head wisely. 81 must have my
copy in hurry"
''It's 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 p
Eyes, said the don critically. 81
can hardly tell the difference. de-
clare. +"
wait until they may be finished.
Mr.. Peale interrupted irritably.
sBut they appear almost so now
ooh, 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 portrait liv-
ing"
Don Mirialles smiled at this exhibit
ton of the artistic temper and asked
how many times the artist had done
that subject.
''Let me see-first in 1878, when the
three miniatures of the GUSTS children
were done in addition. and then that
bust study was made that is in the eel
lar. Since, the general has given sit
tings in 1876 and again in 1878. But
1 he changes, I" 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 man s
heart to paint him properly, and the
heart of man Of action never beats
two years alike -
Don forget that in my copy. mon
sieur suppose can't cajole the conn.
Gil to let me have this. But don't
know that wish it. Mine will be all
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 I'M
derstand that the king of Spain should
recognize the United States.
| Now he rose and babe Mr.. Peale q
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.
i 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
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. Peslel" said a laughing
voice.
Yet in some way the face did MOI
laugh. He saw how serious this delight
full person was.
sDo be seated, he began clumsily.
But she had walked across to the
Washington and was gazing at it will
questioning eyes,
"What is he like?" she asked
ooh, don't knowl Every body ha.
an opinion
Sand there is the portrait. said she
smiling.
''Oh, didn't say thatl' said he.
~ know you didn't, you delightfully."-
modest man, but did. -
She turned her gloves with her fin
gers az she faced him.
.'You told me he would be here thi.
afternoon, she said.
''Ah. did!'
'I-I want to see him
81 beg your pardon. but am afraid
he would not like it. he said bluntly
'.You must have seen him often.
-yes-that isn't it. wish te
see him when he is not thinking Of
duty. He's in town but for two days
l might go to his quarters and find he
was too busy just to meet girl'-
1.-The most charming young lady ir
Philadelphia. said the gallant Mr.
Peale. trying to apologize for his blunt
ness