Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-14

with an air of distinction and showed that he was no
stranger to the Louvre by his rapid decision that the
Sale deS MoulageS with its forbiddng plaster casts
likely resting place for belgrade and his pretty
companion.
Making straight for the nearest stairs he almost
blundered upon Alec laden with loans easel and can
vas: but this exquisite, having something of the
spys skill, whsked into alcove scrutlnlzed an old
print and did not emerge until the chance OF being
recognized had passed After that he was safe. He
appeared to be amused. somewhat amazed
when he learned why belgrade patronzing the
arts. Yet the discovery was evidently pleasing He
Caressed a neat black mustache with we'll mani
cured hand while taking note of Joans 1.-The figure
and well poised head The long traight vista of the
gallery did not permit of near Jew, and he could
not I1nger IN the mario" uoOrwa-l, uSed chlehy oy
artists and officials whence he watched them for
minute or more.
So he turned on his heel and descended to the
street and his waiting victoria waving that delicate
hand and smiling with the manner If one who said
Fancy that of Alec The young scamp
, Teller, masterpiece that speaks in every tongue
to every age. It's keynote simplicity. gallant of
Milan, clothed in buff colored doublet slashed with
brown velvet, plumed cavalier hat set rakishly on
his head, and lace rufle caught up with string OF
seed pearls round his neck, is holding out his right
palm to Gypsy woman, while the fingers of his left
hand rest on a swordhilt. The woman is young and
pretty, her subject mere boy, and her SNUG aspect
of dvnaton is happily contrasted with the youth
excitement at hearing what fate has in store.
.'There!' cried Joan. What do you think of it?
already suggestion of the high lights in the
youngsters face and his brightly colored garb.
Il like Jour copy more than the original" said
Your visits to Rubin have not taught you much
about art, them said she tartly.
Not even that great master would wish me to be
mo, indeed; but he demands knowledge at the
back of truth Now, mark mel You that speck
of white fire in the corner of the womans eye? 1t
gives lfe intelligence, subtle character. Just little
blob of paint put there two hundred years ago. yet
it conveys the whole stock in trade of the fortune
teller. Countless numbers of men and women have
covered the whole range of human virtues and vices
but it has never failed to carry the message to
every beholder. Do you think that my poor repro
duction will achieve that?'
You have chosen the only good bit in the paint
ing he declared stoutly. Look at the boys lips
Caravaggo must have modelled them from girls
What business has fellow with pouting red lips like
them to a sword on his thigh!
Joan laughed with joyousness that was good to
hear. " Pooh! Run away and smite that ball with a
long stick!" she said.
Hum! More than the Italian could have done!'
He was ridiculously in earnest Joan colored sud
denly and busted herself with tubes of paint. She
believed he was jealous of the handsome Lombard
She began to mix some pigments on the palette
belgrade. already regretting an inexplicable out
burst turned from the picture and looked at Muros
woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under
her feet, and upon her head diadem of twelve
stars"
Now, please help me to appreciate that and you
will find me willing student, he murmured
PUT Joan had recovered her self possession. Sup
- pose come off the high art ladder and talk of
our uninteresting selves" she said. What of the
mystery you limited at the Qua? Why shouldn't
l call you Mr.. belgrade? One cannot always say
Alec; it's too short
Then he Redeemed with confusion. belgrade is
my name right enough" he said. 1T is the prefix
l object to- 1t implies that l am sailing under false
colors, and don't like that
Il am not good at riddles, and suspect prefix, ,"
she cried.
"Ah, WELL suppose l must get through with it.
Have you forgotten how Rubin introduced me?"