New-York tribune., 1901-02-17


hind a pair of smoked spectacles.
Between the ring at the bell and her admis-
sion to the studio he had bowed repeatedly to
the door.
But when she entered alone. and stood gazing
. at him in open dismay, his professional manner
collapsed.
They haven't come? Gott sic Dank, I can
again ENJOY the luxury of clear vision" And
he whipped off his spectaces.
With a glance at his coat he added. And
since 10 you, Friuein, the apparel, l am sure,
is not needed to proclaim the man. | will take
the liberty of withdraw ing. that / may present
myself in something less ample and academic.
When he returned he that Elizabeth had
been laughing. He WAS TUch relieved, and
/ laughed Senial!y himself.
Now. Fraulein. DO you marvel at my sue
"Ach no! /. also. would have moved noun
tains FOX such edifyinE sight"
Forget it. entreat ycu.
But rare spirit of mischief had suddenly
seized Elijah IN.
Forget it! 1t is imprinted forever on my
b.;lin. 1t has made of me- too. an impression
ist" ana taking up Z bit of charcoal she ran
To blank canvas and rapidly made her first
and last caricature.
of fire on your head" And he led her to his
easel.
She saw herself on a balcony leaning over to
fl! her lap with roses which cambered up the
wall. Beneath lay flower strewn valley en-
grt by ShelteTing hills. II She had
stopped to pull the lilac.
That is my vision of Saint Elizabeth"
All no. 1t is too beautiful" she whispered
THAT is my vision" he repeated. with tender
reverence.
As faizabeth's heart wos new to that quality
Of tone. it beat rather strangely The unemo-
tional footing which she had hitherto met
the few men thrown in her way WAS crumbiing
beneath her She tried to recover balance by
a change Of subject.
Your pupils were all i'll to-day Ny sister.
whose wrath haven't let loose upon them yet.
asked me to 20 round 10y the doctors, and they
are. Doubtless. in their rooms at present expect
ing him"
You think 50? After the coat and the spec
taces?'
We'll. no. You ease my conscience You
have punished us pretty equally For saint,
YOU are surprisingly vindictive but you have
made happier
This was fact He was very much relieved
indeed that Elizabeth seemed now 10 under
stand his role IN the comedy.
1t made him feel an honester man. and fit for
"A truer part.
II am not sure. now that want to learn
your method Of teaching 1t cannot be so very
good. since you felt compelled 10 break away
from IL 50 suddenly. and with the aid or such
a disguise" she continued. with demure malice
"Bdt"-changins to earnest-'if might Learn
the method itsef-Ah. for that | should ba
grateful, Now that am here-if il is not ask
ing too much. / brought some of my work to
show you
"Fr;iuIen why did you do that"
She looked her surprise You see it may bs
bad and. to you. dare only speak the truth
Flizabe;h's lip tTembled. Again she ciaSped
and unClasped her hands. Then she unwrapped
a sheet Of Illuminated manuscript and held II
toward him. II can hear the truth from you
There was Iong-to Elizabeth terrible
siIencr-whiCh was broken by a jubt!ant voice
But this is genius simply genius You nave
revived "A dead art. This rivals the illumina-
tiuus of the Vatican DO YOU understand IL IS
w,ncerful- great. |, IiIdolf Won stein. affirm
IL"
"RudoIf Won Stein?' murmured Elizabeth. pal
ing In the capitals Of Europe the name was :,
household word Even TO remote En6elau III
had travelled vaguely.
You ar, the famous Won Steln"' There was
worship. almost fear. in her voice. and she re-
coi'ci step. 9,
the mans heart since their first moment or
meeting stood forth ami declared itself
He had liked all women so well that ne had
despair.d of ever loving one. ftnlnlnlty, rs
such attracted. but did not hold. him. For thit
il needed something m1re--a unique, super
sexual bond
There was in EIizabe:h's personality-he knew
IT, he WAS sure just the flavor that would not
cioy.
But now that he realized what this woman
meant for hjm-that she the prize, in all
th,. world best worth winning-his gaze before
which Elizabeth stood trembling. became trou-
bcd. He trembled too
Yes | am RudoIf Stein-a little famous
but not a little bold; for | am going to ask
e.uerdon far above my poor deserts
Il am going to plead with a saint 10 step
down from her hallowed niche. and walk the
rough world with Nay. with me- II sh;il
not he rough. l will lead her by pleasant pains
I will shelter her, | will upbear her VIII
qua I'd for her. the pure Still atmosphere III
which the flame of her soul burns best.
she shall have peace for her dreams anu lNe
cloistered if she will. i'm her own scrlptoriuii.
working out her beautiful fances as safe from
earth's tumuits as any nun of old understand
her needs In this only l am worthy.
II understand her as believe. before Ciou II"
other man does. or ever VIII SAINT f.iizipet"'