Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1908-10-02

like one al the family, latrohlLtu ny
Herman. " ho was his senior. and adOr
ed by Olga. whose playfellOw he was
He was a handsome. sturdy youth.
with hair that fell in rich, black clus-
tiers over his white forehead AMI eyes
that sparkled with buoyant life and
purpose.
There was never a word of love be-
tween this boy and girl II was the
true spirit Of comradeship. But they
loved each other without knowing that
it wds love. because life was fresh
and sweet 10 them and the days We're
long for playtime and dreaming. Their
happiness was uuclouded until the
tine came when il was determined
that Karl should 20 away TO Paris to
study and that Olga should be given
the finishing touches OF her education
that she u sht take her place in So
c.ety
Then the comrades became sweet
hearts When they We're 10 be sent
away from each other they knew that
ii was love.
"Ah, Karl. | shall be so unhappy
without YOU" Olga sai1
But | will cone back. Olga, "a great
artist perhaps, and you will be prouder
Of me than ever"
You viii forget me away in Paris"
And will you not forget me, OlgaT
"Ah, never, my Karl
Fl hn ia, ha a
kissed her.
Il love YOU olga | will not forget"
The years Went swiftly for Karl in
his studies. and the love of a youth
goes readily to sleep. AS for Olga, she
mourned her sweetheart sincerely for
many months, but there was much in
the world that she was learning about.
and the few relatives she had were
busy with her future. Young Herman
Hoffman,, grown stout and serious
and taking part in the business affairs
OF the family, loved her for her rare
beauty. and they We're married. Karl
came back, famous, painted portraits
and lived the life of young artist.
Hoffman, had become banker and
a man of Importance He was SLOW
and somewhat pompous in speech, but
he was loyal in his friendship for Karl
and devoted to his beautiful young
wife Kari came and went in their
house almost as he had in the Old
days. Never once did he or Olga
speak of their old love to each other.
Each believed it dead. For Olga this
was not strange, as she had her hus-
band, whom she believed she loved,
her home and her social life. Her
time was taken up, and Karl was only
a daily incident
The young artist came back to a
consciousness Of Olga's beauty and
sweetness. She had adopted a ma
ternal air toward him which he found
vastly diyerting Sometimes there
throbbed in his pulses beat of the
old feryor, but he had himself well in
control. His emotions were not way
ward He told himself daily almost
that he thought of Olga as a sister. But
it was significant, although he never
admitted that, that he had to tell him
self this same thing very often.
Thus sped the six years Of Olga's
( contented, unrufiled life. Karl lived
/ IN his studio, where notables came to
/ be painted and models posed and flirt-
| ed, and an old manservant looked
after his clothes and his comfort It
was a spacious apartment, richly fur
Hished in the trappings which artists
! love. There be lounged and worked.
| but in all the six years Olga and her
! husband had never been there Kari
! desired most Of all things in the world
/ to paint her portrait, but he did not
and it was not until Herman himself
brought up the subject that it was ever
! discussed.
! One evening at Herman's house.
when Karl had been making some
sketches. Herman said:
Karl, why have you never painted
portrait Of Olga? She Is more beau
tiful than any Of your models or your
patrons"
Olga was startled and glanced quick
~ at Karl. The young artist could
not keep the blood from rushing to
his cheeks, but he replied carelessly:
Olga would do my poor art great
honor. l never knew that either of
you thought so well of my skill"
Come, come" Herman cried, u
want a portrait Of Olga, and you shall
paint it. Let US discuss it. What sort
of pose would you suggest, Olga"
Really, l would have to think about
it, Herman" Olga answered This
IS rather sudden, and one can't make
up ones mind about portrait so
quickly"
why not? Now, think a half
length portrait, in evening dress, with
Il shawl thrown over your shoulders.
would be very attractive"
Herman had grown quite stout and
wore neatly trimmed beard. He was
generous, good natured and kindly
and Karl was very fond of him as well
as grateful to him and his family fol
the opportunities they had given him
He did not wish to oppose this whin
Of his friend, and he left the discus
sion to Olga.
Il should prefer full length in q
street costume" she said.
Not at ALL" Herman asserted. 1.-THE
picture will be painted indoors an.
hung indoors, and you wear indoor
clothes. Now that is settled Karl
when shall we begin this portrait"
Il can be ready at any time" Kar
said. Come when you will ! an