THE FLOWER-GIRL.
HENRY BOWEN was a young artist of moderate talent, who had abandoned
the farm, on which he had labored as a boy, for the sake of pursuing
his favorite profession. He was not competent to achieve the highest
success. The foremost rank in his profession was not for him. But he
had good taste, a correct eye, and a skilful hand, and his
productions were pleasing and popular. A few months before his
introduction to the reader's notice, he had formed a connection with
a publisher of prints and engravings, who had thrown considerable
work in his way.
"Have you any new commission this morning?" inquired the young
artist, on the day before Ida's discovery that she had been employed
to pass off spurious coins.
"Yes," said the publisher, "I have thought of something which I
think may prove attractive. Just at present, the public seem fond of
pictures of children in different characters. I should like to have
you supply me with a sketch of a flower-girl, with, say, a basket of
flowers in her hand. The attitude and incidentals I will leave to
your taste. The face must, of course, be as beautiful and expressive
as you can make it, where regularity of features is not sufficient.
Do you comprehend my idea?"
"I believe I do," said the young man, "and hope to be able to
satisfy you."
The young artist went home, and at once set to work upon the task he
had undertaken.
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