Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1902-01-10

etslulnR Ut l-o DOultN dIu 81. MlCucl,
was greatly surprised. but highly de-
lighted. to receive the pressing invita-
ton To call upon Mime. Nermandois ut
l42 Bonapartn street. "NermandOis,
Vermandoisf' he repeated 10 himself
rs he threw the note on his writing la
Bile. 81 really do not think that | ever
net any one of that name. However,
| shall certainly call. for Jules Dupen
was never known to miss II rendezvous
with a lady. She has evidently heard
Df my fame as a painter and no doubt
1esires TO give me an order for n pie
lure"
The next day, after having dressed
himself most carefully for the occasion,
NJ. Dupen called at the hour named 10y
Nine. Vermandois. For the time being
Vile. Clotilde 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 adj
United that Dupen, though man Of
the world and thoroughly accustomed
10 society. felt equally iii at ease.
Finally Nine Vermandois began the
conversation by asking a thousand par
dons of NJ. Dupen for her indiscretion
and disregard of the convcntionalities
In inviting him to call and ended by as
surfing him that her brother-in-law,
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 it was Sangerot who And how is
this dear, delightful Sangerot?"
Every well, indeed, thanks, mon
sieur," replied Nine. Nermandois, with
one Of her most gracious smiles; "but,
as usual always in hurry. or course
you understand. it Is a little way OF his.
All his friends do"
Eyes, yes, | understand perfectly,
madame" answered the artist. who UNI
derstood nothing at all; but. seeing his
hostess smile. lie burst into a loud
hearty laugh.
SWELL" thought Nine. Vermandois,
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: 81 want your adj
vice. My brother-in-law suggested
"Your brother-in-law" exclaimed
Dupen. thoroughly amazed.
"To be sure" replied Nine. Verman-
dois, somewhat surprised at the art
lists quizzical expression.
"Ah. Sangerot! Your brother-in-law!
Yes. yes. understand perfectly"
"a poor widow, NJ. Dupcn, frequent
ly stands in need OF counsel"
"Then you are widow, madame|
"Why, certainly. Didn't Sangerot
tell you? Perhaps he hadn't time"
"No. | must confess" said Jules Du-
pen, bowling profoundly, that our
friend Sangerot entirely neglected this
detail-quite unmportant. however,
suppose, and in nowise connected with
the business | have been called upon
to treat"
Precisely the contrary, sir" said
Mime. Vermandois. "for it was only aft
er my widowhood that my troubles
began. My husbands father possessed
magnificent picture gallery"
"Ah. here we are at last!' thought
the artist.
1.-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 betting
the occasion, Ito allow me to have n
Greuze. a Fragonard and series of
sketches by David"
But those are real treasures, ma
daniel! replied Dupen enthusiastic
ally.
Then you really think. monsieur
! inquired Nine Nermandois.
Jules Dupen was perhaps just on the
point of saying what he really did
think. when Clotilde, in n crisp, pink
organdie gown and looking as fresh
and pretty as a spray Of eglantine. en-
tered the drawing room
"Sapristev' said the artist to him.
self. Behold a Greuze. a living one
and far more beautiful than anything
the master ever painted!
The arrival Of the young girl inter
rupted the conversation for u few mo-
ments. but Dupen was too much at
/ home TO allow the subject TO drop and
I adroltly 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 CT Unused over
her masterpieces"
you have real talent. mademoi-
Helle," declared Dupen, and he began
10 explain I'm technical terms the par