The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-10-26
AN ARTISTS DREAM.

growth. became the scene of a tremen-
dous activity when Silvia began to take
weekly lessons in drawing and painting,
while listening to David's desultory talk
on art and things artistic. bright, renin-
iscent gleamings of former student days.
while wandering abroad among old
world centers of ancient and modern
civilization.
At given hour Silvia would dash up
to the door, gay. brilliant and enthusiast
tic, while Gori1y followed smiling and
pleased at her delight and carrying her
drawing materials
And when she was installed before her
easel and David Henderson had begun
his critical and severe fault-hndlng as
TO the work done since her last lesson,
Gorky, with chucI1le of delight at me
bold defense Silvia always made, Woula
go back to his multifariOuS Occupations,
reappearing with unerring punctuallty
to drive her back to their home in the
Boone road. when the stipulated hours
had expired.
For the original hour, grudgingly
given by Henderson, had been largely
extended to that unexpected pupil winch
fate and accident thrust upon MN IN
the heart of the Blue Ridge. where ne
had come 1Or rest and recreation. yet
the famous artist had keenly regretted
his promise made under sudden inn
pulse, to give lessons to presumably
crude country girl, for the queer reason
that her mother. if faithfully portrayed
by a miniature. had been beautiful.
David Henderson asked no questions,
and, strictly avoiding the village, heard
none of the speculative gossip concern
ing old Gorky and Silvia, of whom no
body knew anything, for all the long
years they had lived their secluded lives
among the mountainous population OF
the Blue Ridge.
Silvia's going to prim little Miss Hen
bricks school in Boone. but her inter
course with the other children ended
with the school hours. She and Gorky
lived aloof and alone
She had grown up tall and sDlendidfy
developed with wealth OF reddlSn
brown hair, great hazel eyes. a sweet
laughing mouth, and skin whose daz-
cling fairness no exposure to the winds
and sunshine of Blowing Rock could tan
or impair.
David Henderson sat lazily in a big
armchair and smoked. for was he not III
the mountains for rest? and watched
Silvia as she sketched and drew, with
bold and successful strokes. or painted
with strange fidelity fair landscape
scenes of the country around.
At first they had chatted and talked
in good comradeship, Silvia or her
strange studies and peaceful joys, ana
David of his rushing. turbulent life be-
yond the mountains. But OF late DaVlo
was content to sit silent
You are wonderfully accomplished
Young mountain maid. You speak for
eign languages, and if you keep Ola
ably good artist some day." David said
smilingly from the depths OF his easy
chair.
''Will I. really? That is what I want
more than anything in the world-to be
an artist" Silvia said with enthusiasm.
too absorbed in trying to reproduce the
fitful lights and shades on the distant
lake, visible through the open door. to
do more than glance around at her in
structor, who had become fast friend
during the long summer months of con-
slant intercourse between them.
us that your ambition? You think
painting and art above all things be-
cause you are still a child. Your wo-
mans heart is asleep. Wait until YOU
have acquaintance with the worlds
homage. and your power: you are not
made to be artist" 1t was the first
time David had spoken in this strain,
and the conclusion he had reached con-
corning his strange and fascinating
4 pill surprised even himself
Silvia paused in her painting of a
light cloud on Eagle mountain, and
turning looked anxiously at David
DO you know I'm awfully afraid of
the time when 1 must go away from
our dear old home in these mountains
Gorky is always telling me, and I read
about the gay life people lead in big
cities. but don't under-tand it. I'm
afraid of it. Just look at me. I'm
abominably dressed, I know. How
would I look and feel in fine clothes and
jewels? Oh, I'm horribly afraid
A sudden strange pang, shot through
David's heart. as he realized that she
would be called away to take part in
different life. When? he wondered
You must have no fears" he said
musingly. Wherever you are and how
ever CARRIED, you will tower over all
other women"
Sylvia flushed and laughed gayly.
Indeed, III do no such thing I'm
Ignorant and fearfully awkward, and do
you know who I'll be more afraid of
than anv one else Or, n
Who?" David asked in establishment
Tor he had seen Sylvia drive dangerous
team with reckless composure over
dangerous road, and on a certain occa-
sion confront and drive off a threaten
ing bull without a tremor of fear.
My maid, Sylvia answered in a
stage whisper. Particularly if she is
French. DO you know 1 have been
practlclng giving orders? Julia donnez
mes gants.' and all sorts of sharp or
ders, to try to get used to the idea
told Gorky I positively will not have
maid. But he says I must; that it
wouldn't do at all to refuse to have one
do hope I'll be allowed to stay here
with Gorky-just US two-for at least
ten more years. And if you'll come back
next summer, why I'll be perfectly hap
Ply. Heavens. it's almost time for Cor
ky to come and I've hardly touched that
cloud!" Sylvia turned back to her easel
and concentrated her thoughts on the
opalescent mist resting so lightly on a
distant peak
Il must paint your portrait" David
said suddenly.
But Sylvia shook her head
"Gorky will not consent He has
never let me have a photograph taken
Miss Hendricks begged me to give her
one last year, but Gorky said no and
had to send her locket instead. Why
do you want a portrait of meg"
David did not explain, but laughed
amusedly at the idea that Gorky could
prevent his having Sylvia's face. with
all it's infinite charm on canvas if he
wanted it.
Don't let US spoil our last pleasant
day by thinking of the tires0me flu
ture." Sylvia said, flashing 81 bright
smile at David ..Cnna and see If nv