The San Francisco call., 1909-11-21

parties. 1t Will be the best kind OF an excuse
He rose hastily and walked to the other end OF the
room, so that his face turned from me- but
could feel the tense energy of his angular frame.
with It's broad square shoulders. Suppose we keep
this matter entirely between ourselves. / know it
seems unuSuar-he veered about, facing me-~in-
precedented even, asking you trust me-to do this
for me, complete stranger. without consulting
your brother
l looked up at him in bewilderment Dick was
his associate, comrade friend. What it could
do for him apart from Dicks knowledge that my
brother could accomplish thousand times bettera
But Dick"-I began
He brought his hand vehemently down the
table before him. Dick is white-white clean
through-and he's going to be tricked by any
you or 1 least of all" He broke off, his eyes
cleaning l wished that might have seen him plead
ing case in court. How about that portrait you
going to let me see1 Is it beautiful enoughp
And his sudden smile was challenge.
caught up the implied suggestion. Eyes, II might
be arranged in that way" considered moment.
Monsieur Geraud has promised private view
for my friends before he sends it to the Academy.
could make it Saturday afternoon. at about s."
Robert Stead held out his hand. I'm glad you're
willing number among them. And try"-he
looked down at 1 met his clasp, ito think
Welcomes you can, under the circumstances"
1 smiled at his earnestness. "You of law
mysterious Is it the law?
looked forward with some trepidation to the
cason of my select little party at Geraud's studio
couldn't help wondering how Robert Stead would be
accepted. Would he be looked upon interloper,
curiosity that had by some chance re-
Gently unearthed?
IN THE STUDIO
The warm oriental touch that Jean -Geraud loved
to give to his pictures found extravagant expression
in the heavy Moorish lamps and braziers that sent
their subtle glow through the reception adjoin-
ing his big unadorned studio enjoyed comparing
sO1f~ - 1ofcf
the other of the workman Geraud net US that Sat
urday, Nella and Dolly and l. in the room, and
/ smiled absently the rest of the party they
sauntered in, my gaze wandering uncertainty every
and then to the door. felt like conspirator.
Ny principal guest came among the last and
could feel the unexpected ripple of interest his
entrance Set in motion Evelyn Taghern-Steward
swept up her orgnetes forgetting her usual anguid
grace and my imagination conjured up dash of pink
under the nauve spots on her cheeks The Graice
girls tilted their chins naughty inquiry and shrugged
when Lord Birmingham leaned toward them with
whispered question. Perry Willing gave Mrs Algy
Trane delicate nudge and she bent her length for
ward, the newcomer toward her, with
eagerness she could not conceal Fritzy Bigelow
gathered himself up from his sprawng position
to Jason in Turkish corner And Carley acknowl-
edged his introduction in dazed fashion wondering
probably if this some trick | was trying.
Altogether, there was a stimulating tingle OF cleo
trcity in the air
Doly's instant recollection of him as a means to
monopolize her quite mistaken. Once in the
studio he engaged with Geraud in discussion of
my portrait displaying knowledge of art that
have astonished the artist much it did me- He
seemed to have forgotten all of and gradually the
little murmurs of admiration. comment stereo-
typed criticism died away. We found ourselves listen
ing to the low vibrant tones OF his voice as he hit
upon points of constructions resemblance and draping
that pierced the French painters cultivated
and set him dancing with the primitive JOY
of the creator.
"My dear" Jason sighed into my ear, shes
sumner Where did you find him?
"Oh' / laughed, "he's just part of the big world
you and know nothing about dare say you could
neighDOrhOOd
Geraud was hunting up a sketch of the president
of France, and Robert Stead came toward us. Mon
seur Geraud says you object to the of your
on the portrait Why not call it TRUTH Those are
the frankest eyes I've ever SEEN. And he looked
straight into mine
| looked from him to the portrait transparent
cloud of white tulle, and rising from black haired
girl, who might have been myself. as / hoped to be-
Because" | responded, "you can't seeing
truth in black and white And there little litter
of misunderstanding from those enough hear.
THE PORTRAIT
But as my eyes came back to him that Rob-
ert Stead staring small canvas the artist had
pushed to side Why he turned in the direction
of Dolly-herseh picture in violet and gray-whose
ewes were unconsciously following him isn't this
Mrs Brooke7" He picked up the sketch of bright
eyes and gauzy green that Geraud had shown me
'Why, SO it isp Dolly took the canvas from him
little hurriedly Monsieur Geraud, when did you get
this? She examined the painting carefully and turned
TO Geraud her musical voice strangely discordant
Don't you know, I've made it point never to pose
for any OneS
Madame the Frenchman bowed to the ground,
when every unconscious pose is in itself picture,
what artist would wish to resist-or forget?"
Dolly looked up at him with an enchanting smile.
at is dear picture" she admitted, then moving
closer to the artist and in monotone that did not
escape me, Robert Stead, whose gaze could feel
going out to her IN little waves of magnetism, "Is it
possible for to possess it?" she asked
The Frenchman flung out his hands despairingly.
II regret, madame, it is not to be had uness-you
will consent. permit to paint another and better
one, of you"
Dolly grasped the picture in both hands. "Per-
haps-" she compromised.
when madame has been so gracious as to con-
and the picture has been completed the artist
answered, unswervingly, "she shall have this as
acknowledgement" He twirled his mustache, his
eyes irnpatiently alert for her reply