Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1830-12-22

the risk of spelling the whole, she pre-.
ferred leaving these little imperiectlons, "a
they were. Before she went to bed, sh,
took the precaution of placing a chai
against the door, which had bolt on the
outside only; the young ladies not being
allowed to iasten themselves in their own
rooms. When she awoke in the morn
ing, the door was still closed and tn,
chair standing ust as she had placed it
some mysterious hand had changed all il
defects into beauties.
| Josephine was bewldercd. 'What shal
l do' she explained. 'Ifthis mystery is
suffered to go on fear it will end in
something very vexatious. Yet it may
be from motives of kindness only that
some unknown person steals into my
room at nj ght, and works at my picture,
with skill SO far surprising my own.
Since l did not mention this story at first
am sure were now to relate it no one
will believe me-
She painted no more at the picture
but put it away as usual. That night
she placed the washing-stand against
the door, laying her soap on the edge, 50
that i'movcd, it would fall; and having
gone to bed very sleepy, she soon closed
her eyes in her usual deep slumber.
In the morning, the washing stand was
still against the door, the soap had not
fallen, the picture was finished.
AT the breakfast table she stole in
quiring glances at the countenances of
her school-niates, but none of them look
ed particularly at her, and none avcrtcd
their eyes. All seemed to be thinking
only ol the examination, When she re-
turned to her room, she dressed herself
for the occasion, and wrapping the pic
turc m her pocket-handkerchief, she
joined her companions, who walked in
procession to the principal school room.
After being examined in several other
branches, the drawings and miniature
paintings were produced. Josephine
blushed, as she presented her beautiful
picture. Every one was astonishcd, it
was so far superior to anything she had
ever done, particularly in the finishing.
Every one was struck with the fl
deity of the likenesscs, painted as
they were chiefly from memory; and
great praise was given to the graceful
and natural folds OF the drapcry, and the
clcarness and beauty of the coloring.
The first prize, small silver palette,
was unhesitatingly awarded to Josephine
Vericour; but to the surprise of every
one she showed no indication of Joy.
She looked anxiously round among her
companions to discover who had painted
the last part of her picture while she
slept. Hearing Julia Dorlval commend
it, she said, Miss Julia, you may well
admire your own work. will not ac-
cept of praises, which belong only oyou
to your skill in miniature painting, and
to the kindness of your heart
Julia protested that this language was
uninteligible to her, and begged jose
phine to explain herself. She did so,
and the engima became still more incom-
prchensible. Julia positively denied
ever having seen the picture before 1t
was produced at the examination. Jo-
sephinc's statement could not be recon
ciled to the rules of possibility, and they
began to think her mind was affected by
intense application to her picture. When
the examination was over, the young
ladies' collected in groups and talked
with much feeling of these symptoms OF
mental arrangement in their unfortunate
companion. For several weeks after
the examination, Josephine allowed her
paint-box to remain in the school room
closet, and painted under the direction OF
her master; but though there were marks
of daily Improvement in her lessons, the
miniatures she now attempted were IN
fcrior to the mysterious picture.
Being anxious to try again how she
could succeed in the solitude OF her own
apartment, she there commenced min
ature of herself, which, if successful,
she intended as present to her mother.
BY the assistance of the large looking
glass that hung over the table, she sketch
ed the outline Of her features with great
correctness, and after having put OH the
first tints, she put away the work for that
day. She told Julia of the new picture
she had begun, and of her anxiety to
know whether her nocturnal visitcr would
again assist her in completing it, Dear
Miss julia said she, do tell me the
whole truth. Iryou wish it, will keeT
it secret Tell me how you contrived tc
enter my chamber without disturbing my
sleep, and how you were able to paint
50 well by candlc-lightP
Julia surprised to find her persist in
this strange belief, offered to assist hcI
in discovering the truth.
place nothing against your door tc
night: do not even latch it, said she, u