Page:Blackwood's Magazine volume 050.djvu/358

324 And I my crowns, and no man is the wiser.

With my own hand I will destroy this note,

And put our secret thus beyond betrayal.

Yes! yes! I'll wait Until it is announced

That our good picture has obtain'd the prize,

And then I will step forward with the note

And hand it in—What say you to the plan?

. Its shrewdness is unmatch'd—(he raises his voice, and his words apparently addressed to Calmari, are in reality intended for Ravienna's ear.)

Now, friend, beware

How you desert the station you've assumed —

And do not—do not risk discovery.

Discovery! That's not possible—If you

Keep silent, and I have your word for that—

You have my gold. (playfully.)

Gold's not so bad a thing—

Is it, my brother, eh? you don't dislike it.

A heavy purse—nay, never look so savage;

Gold has the power of magic—entre nous,

There's nothing in the world gold cannot buy.

. Some people may be sold as well as bought.

My friend, 'twas not your gold that tempted me;

Your singular proposal took my fancy,

And I assented—and now let me say,

As truly as that painting is my work,

So truly, sir, are you an honest man.

The arbiters are met.

I will be with you.

In a few moments. (The Secretary is retiring.) Mister Secretary,

One word with you.

I'm at your service.

Pray,

Oblige me by announcing to the artists

Assembled in the hall, that I intend

To give a feast to-day.

(in astonishment.) A feast, director!

Yes, sir—to-day I mean to give my ward

In marriage to the painter who shall gain

The highest prize. You understand?

I do.

I will inform them of your kind intentions.

Now leave us—I will follow.—(Exit.)

. (aside) Would to God

The old man would go!

You seem uneasy, sir.

. I wish this business were but fairly over.

Now, brother—honour bright!

. What I have promised,

I will observe. He whom the note shall name,

And none but he, is painter of your picture.

I hope, my friend, you'll come into the hall,

And witness my great triumph.

. Thank you—no;

I'll rather tarry here: I have no love

For crowds. We'll meet when the decision's over.

Just as you please. I hope, at any rate,

You'll come, this evening, to my marriage-feast;