Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1901-02-14

But how could he extricate himselt
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
10 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 manageable as balky horse
So Eugene was puzzled.
Finally bright idea occurred to him
"Why not" thought he, ''give a comic
turn to the affair? If properly done,
Leonie win be disarmed. She is easily
moved TO laughter, and then win ex-
plain and beg her forgiveness"
Alasl Poor Eugene's idea was not a
happy one.
The next day when Leonie appeared,
1t 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.
''lou Jacques Bruhierel" 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 II 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 a can
vas in which she recognized the mas
ter's touch. Leonie was becoming III
at ease. She picked up a little Hindoo
god which stood on the table beside
her 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 and
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, " II
madame viii kindly inform me to what
/ owe the honor of this Wis"
He stopped. Her white, set face, her
staring eyes, frightened him.
"a lackeyl" she Missed; "a base
lackeyl And / have loved this heart
less. cruel, lying wretchl
With a sudden impulse Of fury she
snatched up a pretty toy, a silver
poniard, which lay upon the table, and
sprang at Eugene. Quick as fash
the artist dashed between them. But
quick as be was, he was too late, The
poniard struck Eugene in the side, in
ficting a deep wound. AS he did so.
Leonie uttered a shrek and tainted
away.
Eugene's comedy had become a
tragedy.
''Truly a pretty sight for the studio
OF an honest, Woodworking painter"
groaned Jacques Bruhiere, as he gazed
upon the two PROSTATE forms. This
comes OF obliging your friends. Catch
me doing it again"
Three years had passed. Leonie was
In the brilliant salon Of Comtesse de
Sagone, whose house was always filed
with the literary men of the day, and
She invariably secured the literary lion.
She was making her way through the
brilliant throng toward Leonie.
my dear" said she, when she reached
her. "you have read that novel of which
all Paris is talking-'Les Deux Prin-
,essesT
YES" said Leonie, "it is charming
work"
'Do you know its author?"
Eugene de Lassi2 No. Is he here
this EVENING""
"Yes, and ! want TO present him 70
you. All. there he is. NJ. de Lassi!"
md In another moment there stood be-
lore Leonie-the false painterl
For a moment she hesitated; but the |
I'D spell reasserted itself and she found
herself listening. almost against her
viii. 70 his plea for pardon. And he
beaded his cause most eloquently.
81 am half inclined not TO forgive
rou." she said. at length, "you acted
lbominably-you know you did
81 acted like fool and knave,
aid Eugene. ''and you ought never TO
pardon me; but you will, won't you?"
"Well," said the beauty, semi-reluc-
antly, IF you'll be very good boy
"Yes."
"And never deceive me again"
"Never."
"And never paint any more such
vretched trees"
"Never."
"Then forgive you for having played
he servant"
sBut ] want TO play IL again.
She looked at him inquiringly.
81 want to be your servant forever.
m, =. G. child xxaS n bov He was |