Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1901-05-29


was greatly surprised, but highly de-
lighted, to receive the pressing invita-
ton to call upon Nine. Vermandois at
142 Bonaparte street "Nermandois,
Vermandois?" he repeated to himself
as he threw the note on his writing ta-
bic. Il really do not think that l ever
met any one of that name. However,
l shall certainly call, for Jules Dupen
was never known to miss Il rendezvous
with lady! She has evidently heard
Of my fame as painter and no doubt
desires to give me an order for pic
ture."
The next day, after having dressed
himself most carefully for the occasion,
NJ. Dupen called at the hour named by
Mile. Clotllde had been Professionally
slowed away, but this did not prevent
her mother from feeling terribly en-
barrassed as to the proper way of open
ing the Interview. 1t must also be ad-
mitted that Dupen, though man of
the world and thoroughly accustomed
to society, felt equally Ill at ease.
Finally Nine. Vermandois began the
conversation by asking thousand par
dons of NJ. Dupen for her indlscretion
and disregard Of the conventionalities
in inviting him to call and ended by as
surfing him that her brother-in-lnw,
Hector Sangerot, was the real cul-
prit, who had advised her to write the
note
For minute the artist looked puz-
zled, for he had never before heard of
Sangerot; but, quickly recovering his
self possession he said gayly: "Ah, and
so 1t was Sangerot who And how Is
this dear, delightful Sangerot?"
Very well, indeed, thanks. mon
sieur," replied Nine. Vermandois, with
one Of her most gracious smiles; "but,
as usual, always In hurry. or course,
you understand, 1t is little way of his.
All his friends do"
Eyes, yes, l understand perfectly,
madame" answered the artist, who un-
derstood nothing at all; but, seeing his
hostess smile, he burst into loud,
hearty laugh.
We'll" thought Nine. Vermandols,
as she listened to Dupen's peal of
laughter, Hector told me that he was
very serious, grave young man; on
the contrary, he is quite gay" Then,
continuing her conversation, Nine. Yer
mandois ventured: II want your ad-
vice. My brother-ln-law suggested"-
Your brother-in-laww exclaimed
Dupen, thoroughly amazed.
ITO be sure" replied Nine. Verman-
dolls, somewhat surprised Mt the art
lists Quizzical expression.
"Ah, Sangerot. Your brother-in-law!
Yes, yes, understand perfectly"
"a poor widow, NJ. Dupen, frequent
ly stands In need of counsel"
"Then you are widow, madameW
"Why, certainly. Didn't Sangerot
tell you? Perhaps he hadn't time"
mo, l must confess" said Jules Du-
pen, bowling profoundly, that our
friend Sangerot entirely neglected this
detail-quite unimportant, however, l
suppose, and in nowse connected with
the business l have been called upon
to treat"
Precisely the contrary, SIR" said
Nine. Vermandois, ''for it was only aft
er my wldowhood that my troubles
began. My husbands father possessed
a magnificent picture gallery"
"Ah, here we are at lastr' thought
the artist.
"The paintings had not yet been dis
tributed among the heirs when my
dear, darling husband died, and now
his relatives are questioning my
rights"
ut is positively shocking, madame"
exclaimed the artist sympathetically
but thinking to himself, "Well, what in
the devil does she expect me to do
about it?"
"They merely consented" continued
the widow, in doleful tones befittlng
the occasion, 'to allow me to have a
Greuze, Fragonard and a series of
sketches by David"
But those are real treasures, ma
dame" replied Dupen enthusiastic
ally.
"Then you really think, monsieur
inquired Nine. Vermandois.
"uiNo pupSh wac pCihh JuSt oh Vic
point of saying what he really did
think, when Clotilde, in crisp, pink
organdie gown and looking as fresh
and pretty as a spray of eglantine, en-
tered the drawing room.
"Sapriste" said the artist to him
self Behold Greuze, living one
and far more beautiful than anything
the master ever paintedw
The arrival of the young girl inter
rupted the conversation for few mo-
ments, but Dupen was too much at
home to allow the subject to drop and
adroitly brought the conversation back
to art and paintings. Nine. Verman-
dois listened attentively, entranced by
his eloquence, Sangerot was certainly
right, the young man was perfect and
would assuredly make his mark in the
world. Clotilde appeared equally fas-
cinated, and when she displayed her
water colors the artist enthused over
her masterpieces"
"You have real talent, mademoi-
sclle," declared Dupen, and he began