rleans by refusing to reply to her saucy tongue there was a
perfect understanding between them. The young woman listened respectfully
if he spoke, and when he painted followed his work with eager eyes.

At last she had met one who was not intent on truckling for place and
pelf. His ideals were as high and excellent as her own--his mind more
sincere. Life was more to him than to her, because he was working his
energies up into art, and she was only allowing her powers to rust.

She followed him dumbly, devotedly.

He wished to treat her as an honored pupil and with the deference that
was her due, but she insisted that they should study and work as equals.

Instead of giving the young woman lessons to learn, they studied
together. Her task as pupil was to read to him two hours daily as he
worked, and things she did not fully understand he explained.

The Princess made small progress as a painter, probably because her
teacher was so much beyond her that she was discouraged at thought of
equaling him; and feeling that in so many other ways they were equals,
she lost heart in trying to follow him in this.

At length, weary of attempts at indifferent drawing, the Princess begged
her tutor to suggest some occupation for her where they could start
afresh and work out problems together. Scheffer suggested modeling in
clay, and the subject was taken up with avidity.

The Princess developed a regular passion for the work, and group after
group was done. Among other figures she attempted was an equestrian
statue of Joan of Arc.

This work was cast in bronze and now occupies an honored place at
Versailles.

So thoroughly did the young woman enter into the spirit of sculpture that
she soon surpassed Scheffer in this particular line; but to him she gave
all credit.

Her success was a delight to her parents, who saw with relief that the
carping spirit of cynicism was gone from her mind, and instead had come a
kindly graciousness that won all hearts.

In the ability to think and act with independence there was something
decidedly masculine in the spirit of the Princess Marie; and, as I have
shown, Scheffer possessed a sympathy and gentleness that was essentially
feminine (which is quite a different thing from being effeminate). These
two souls complemented each other, and their thoughts being fixed on
similar ideals, how can we wonder that a very firm affection blossomed
into being?

But the secret of their love has never