Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1854-02-24

my readers have 10y this time proba-
bly, discovered, no other than an ar
list on his summer progress.
Robert speedily understood the
stranger, and was delighted with the
opportunity of approaching so gifted
person although he contemplated
with . degree pf generous envy,
which kings regala would have
failed to excite in his bosom, those
chef d. euvres of all nations, which
were to him as sealed books aud
the pencils whose power appeared
nothing less than creative. lie re-
doubled his industry in the garden,
that he might conscienliously devote
hours, and hall hours, to pointing out
the deep pools and SHALLOW eddies
of their romantic streams. where he
knew, from experience that fish
were likely to be found, and, better
sull. he loved to lead to the haunts
Of his childhood, the wild bosky dells,
and the sunny ends Of lands, where a
sudden turn in the track, an over
hanging tree. All old gate, cottage
chimney, and group Of cattle or
children, had sometimes formed a
picture, on which his fancy had fed
for hours. 1t was Roberts chief
pleasure to entlce his lodeer to
scenes such as these. and to sec his
own visions growing into reality, un-
der the glowing pencil OF the artist
aud he, in his turn. would admire.
and marvel at the natural feeling Of
the beautiful, which could lead an
unrestricted country youth, instinct
lively. TO the very elements of the
picturesque A general agreement
Of taste had brought about degree
of association. unusual between per-
sons different IN rank-a particular
instance Of This accordance dissolved
the intimacy.
Robert had been, for above a fort
night. more than commonly busy iu
MIR. LesLombe's garden, and hot
houses-so busy that he even slept
at the Hall the stranger. on the
Other hand, had been. during the
same period, shut up painting 10 the
little parlor At last they met, and
the artist invited his young (rend TO
look at the picture which had ensal-
ed him during his absence. On
walking into the room, he SOW, pn
the easel, picture in OILS. almost I'm
shed. The STYLE was of that delight
fol kind which combines figure with
landscape the subject was hay-car-
rying aud the scene. that very slop-
ing meadow crowned by Farmer
Bells tall, angular house, lis vine
wrealhed porch and chimneys, the
great walnut tree before the door, The
orchard, and the homes,ead-wh,ch
formed the actual prospect from the
windows before them. In the fore
ground was wagon. piled with hay,
surrounded by the farmer and his
hne famiy-some pitching some
loadlng, some rakng after--all intent
on their pleasant business. The on
" disengaged persons IN the field
were young Mary Kent aud Harry
Bell, an urchln of four years old. who
rode on her knees on the top of the
wagon, crowned and wrealhed with
gurlands Of vine leaves and bind
weed and peoples and coru-howers
In the front, looking up at Mary
Kent and her little brother, and play
fully tossing 10 them the lock of hay
which She had gathered on her rake,
stood Susan Bcll--her light aud
lovely figure shown in all its grace,
by the pretty attitude and the short
cool dress while her sweet face,
glowing with youth and beauty, had
a smile playing over II like mild
sunbeam The boy was nodding and
laughing To her, and seemed longing,
as well he mighr,--to escape from
his howery bondage and jump into
her arms Never had poet framed a
lovelier image of rural beauty New
er had painter more iellcilously real
lied his conception
Well, Robert! - exclaimed our
artist. a hule impatient of the contin-
ued silence, and missing tho expect
ed pralse-'' Well 7" bu, still Robert
spoke not " Don't you think it
good subject - continued the man
of the easel " was sitting at the
window, reading Froissarl, whilst
they were carrying in the aIter-crop,
aud by good luck, happened 10 look
up, just as they had arranged them
selves into this very group, and as the
evening sun came slanting, exactly as
it does now, across the meadow so
dashed in the sketch Instantly, got
Mary to sit to me-and a very pretty
nymph-like figure she nakes-dres-
sed the boy with flowers, Just as he
was decked out for the harvest home,
the rogue is really fit model for a
Cupid (; they are glorious family !
and persuaded Susan" at that
name, Robert, unable to control him
self, rushed ont of the room, leaving
The astonished painter in the full be
lief that his senses had lorsaken him.
The unhappy lover, agonized by
jealousy, pursued his way 10 the farm.
lie had, hitherto, conirived, although
without confessing his motive, TO
keep his friend and his mistress as
under. He had no fears of his hon
or or her virtue but TO Roberts ro-
mantle simplicity, it seemed that no
one could gaze on Susan without