The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-29

May l venture 10 suggest that nc artist of-at any rate sufficiently high reputation. has un to the present had an opportunity Of studying you.n he an swered with gravity.
 True. said the chief. "the fault is after all my own and he returned to his examination of the pictures My attention,h he added presently, has been arrested by these two portraits both of which are signed by Aleiblade Blufort. Both are excellent pieces of work
 Sir Graham bent over to look at them.
 Well, 1 suppose Blufort's name is sec ond to none in Europe as a portrait painter, he remarked.
 "1ndeed. That Is very interesting. Don Q. paused. "senor. do you think this French artist, Blufort. would paint my portralt2e
 It was the Englishmans turn to be staggered.
 Yes, senor.s the chief repeated with fifmness, my portrait It will be no small honor even to senor Blufort to place upon canvas the features of him. who, after Napoleon, is the greatest brgand the world has ever known"
 Sir Graham bowed from his side of the table with cordiality.
 "Unquestionably he said.
 "Posterity resumed the chief will value it. for posterity will appraise me t my true worth. 1 grieve at times senor, when l reflect how very false an idea of me may go down to future generations. But my autobiography. which l have carefully written, will give them the real facts of my. career, and tell them of one or two of my exploits, whieh-if l am not mistaken-will live. l have noticed that biographies of great men are always prefaeed by a portraih re- produced from the work of some great artist. Mine must not be an exception. Besides" continue Don J., becoming al most genial, "I will admit that 1 should not be adverse to my portrait being bought by the English nation. among whom l may say have many friends. '
 By jove. yesl' agreed Sir Graham, looking across at the strange face and figure of the chief, ''by jove yesl It Is a real loss to the world that no ade- quate representation of you can ever be given to the thousands who have heard of and wondered at your famous career"
 But why should not q great portrait of me reach the world that wonders at me?" remanded Don Q. sharply. De you not think it possible that Senor Blufort can be persuaded to pay me a visit in the sierra to place upon his imnirtal canvas the likeness of one whose name, 1 can, without being mis- understood by you. declare to be worthy because equally immortal?"
 Seeing that the chief waited for his answer, Sir Graham replied diplomati- cally:
 T immagine he would think twice be- fore coming"
 "The fee need be no obstacle" urged Don. C. T believe that artists vied with each other for the honor of DOT traying Napoleon"
 ''Still-Your reputation hesitated the Englishman.
 q have certainly been much maligned. :" narrow-mlnded people in the plains. But genius, senor, genius such as this French mans, would not-in my opinion-be de- tered by foolish gossip from seizing upon the chance of securing so unparalleled d subject for his art to expend itself upon. .
 ''Very likely you are right" said the other
 Besides, Senor Bluford happens at this moment to be at Malaga. He is studying details of Spanish life for his next great picture. l shall invite him to visit me. He will not refuse, l feel sure
 Thisswas growing serious, for Sir Ora ham could not imagine how a true like ness of the brigand could by any possi . bility please that fastidious, but high-tem- pered parsonage And if it did not please him. what would happen to M. Blufort?
 There is a Mme Blufort who might perhaps feed some natural anxiety" he began.
 The whims of women have never in- huenced me, senor l assure youn replied Don Q. T have made up my mind that