Ellen Percy; or, The Memoirs of an Actress — page 289: what you’re looking at

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—how dared I hope that you would even receive upon your presence: but now that I have had this supreme happiness’—here his voice trembled for a | moment—“ you will see how it has inspired me !” He took up his brush ; and for about a minute he applied it to the face of the portrait which represented me as Portia. “ Now look!” he exclaimed, standing aside from the front of the canvass which rested upon an easel, If it had not been for the discovery which I had made in fespect of the young man’s real feel- ings towards me, I do verily believe that an ejacu- tion of astonishment would have burst from my lips at the first glance which I flung upon that portrait. It kad wanted but a touch to render it perfect as a likeness: that touch had been given— and it was indeed now perfect! I was always fond of the fine arts, and have ever been con- sidered to possess some little taste in respect to paintings. I had now the deep conviction that these paintings were of a very high character : thoy did not merely give promise of future ex- cellence—they were masterpieces in themselves. It was my duty to speak candidly on the point to the mother and daughter, as well as to the artist him- self: but I did so in a manner to convince him that the homage which he had paid to me through the medium of his pencil, could exercise no influ- ence beyond that of winning my gratitude and in- spiring me with a feeling of interest in his future success. While I still remained in the studio, Reginald Barron put the finishing stroke to the other three portraits; and I purposely tarried thus to afford him the opportunity of rendering his works as perfect as possible. Yet the task was a somewhat unpleasant one to me; for every time that Regi- nald Barron turned his eyes‘upon me, I observed in his regards that expression of impassioned ardour which had already more than once brought up a blush to my cheeks, I descended into the parlour with Mrs. Barron and Sarah,—Reginald remaining behind in his studio. The moment I was alone with the two ladies, the mother threw her arms about my neck, exclaiming, in a voice full of emotion, “it is as if an angel had entered our house ; for you have in- fused hope and joy into every heart !” **Oh, yes!” murmured Sarah, much affected ; *‘ hope and joy into every heart !” “The hope,” I said, impressively, “that your son, my dear madam, may succeed !—the hope, Sarah,” I added, in an equally emphatic manner, “that in your brother you may one day haila great artist !” “And now that his pictures are completed,” said Mrs. Barron, “could you give me_ the slightest hint, my dear Miss Perey, in respect to the mode which he ought to adopt for their dis- posal P” ‘My dear mother,” interjected Sarah, “ it is not exactly to Miss Percy that you ought to put the question. She has already proved so kind and good—besides I will ask Mr. Tremaine. “s “ IT myself should be glad to purchase one of those pictures,’ I said: “but I am delicate in making the proposition. I know not what value to set upon it. me at all? It was all these considerations, Miss | Percy, which prevented me from intruding myself “much distressed. Sn ee ee ee a ELLEN PERCY; OB, THE MEMOIRS OF AN ACTRESS. And understand me well—under- stand me well,” I repeated, “I would not for the world give less than any other purchaser might be disposed to offer.” ‘‘ Reginald has no idea,” said Mrs. Barron ; *‘ for several times when I have spoken to him about selling those four portraits, he has given me no satisfactory answer—he has turned the dis- course into another channel 4 “T leave the matter in your hands, my dear madam,” I said; “and at any time when you choose to communicate with me on the subject, I will remit you a cheque for the amount.” * And which portrait,” inquired Mrs. Barron,— * which of the four, my dear Miss Percy, would you prefer?” At that instant the parlour-door opened, and Reginald Barron made his appearance. He was paler than before ; and it struck me that he stag- gered somewhat as he entered the room ; so thatI threw a second glance at him to ascertain whether he was really labouring under some strong feelings or not ? “ Mother, what are you talking about?” he de- manded, almost angrily. ‘ My pictures are not for sale.” “ Not for sale?” cried Mrs. Barron, in amaze- ment, and likewise with affliction depicted upon her countenance. “ Why, what on earth do you mean, Reginald P—for what have you toiled? Have you not adopted a profession by which you hope to live P—and was it not just now causing so much happiness to your sister and myself, because we heard from the hips of one who is a judge, the assurance that you do possess the talent and that you will shine P” ** Nevertheless, mother,” said Reginald, taking a seat, “ those four pictures are not for sale. I will at once begin to paint others—I will transfer to canvass the portraits of other celebrated persons Oh! I will work day and night to afford you pleasure, dear mother—and likewise you, my dear sister! God knows that if I could render you both rich and independent, it would be the hap- piest moment of my life to proclaim that you were so! But these four portraits,” he added slowly and emphatically, “ shall never be disposed of for gold.” “ How silly of you, Reginaid, to talk thus!” said Mrs. Barron, “ You must not think that you are paying a compliment to Miss Percy by such conduct; because itis no compliment. Miss Percy knows perfectly well that an artist paints to live.” “You must now permit me to take my leave,” I said; for I was anxious to get away from the midst of the scene which had so unexpectedly arisen, ‘No, no—do not leave us immediately, my dear Miss Percy!’ said Sarah Barron, who looked “These little family matters ought to be reserved for discussion when we are alone together. You will dine with us—you will pass the day here wy “T can assure you,” I said, “that I must now take my departure. I am about to leave Peters- field to pay a visit to Kelvedon Hall ‘ “ And in a short time,” ejaculated Sarah, “ you will be at Tremaine Hall in Staffordshire, and I shall have the pleasure of meeting you there! Farewell, Miss Percy, if you must leave us.” (C(O) JOO = SS Eo