The Lambertville press. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1858-1???, 1861-04-24


her path after that, yet he never often
ded her by lifting his eyes to see her
beautiful face. As he moved slowly
along, apparently engaged in the study
! of Nature, her eyes involuntarily
marked his dignifed bearing, and
graceful carriage, which served as a
dangerous contrast to the somewhat
awkward air of her rustic lover
Maud had received an education
far superior to persons in her rank OF
Iife She was hot only a correct
scholar in her own language, but she
had made considerable progress in
French, and played with taste and
skill on the piano.
What new delight it was for the
young girl to meet one who could
sympathize with her Every word
of Williams thrilled her to the heart,
he opened to her glimpses of worlds
unknown to her before No wonder
that away from him, life seemed to
have lost its sweetest charm
Another week effected a great
change in the cottage. Charles, stung
with jealousy. and fearing that he
might be supplanted by William, con-
quered his pride and sought an inter-
view with Maud. Bnt she was an
sent when he called, having gone to
visit the friends at whose school she
had been educated.
An understanding followed between
himself and the farmer, whose highest
ambition was to see Maud the wife of
the uppermost farmer of the place, as
he was described in his native village
Charles well knew the effect of ad-
dressing himself to the fathers feel
ings, and he now aroused all his in
dignation against William.
You are the talk of the village"
he said, "people wonder at You for
all wing a penniless adventurer to
seek the hand of your daughter Be-
lieve me Reuben, he already thin'.s
this farm securely his own"
Before Charles left the house, Reu-
ben promised him that in ten days
more, Maud should be his.
Next Sunday week will be the
twenty-fifth anniversary of our we'd
ding" he said, turning affectionately |
toward his wife, who, with troubled |
look on her face, family smiled, but |
remained silent.
That blessed days sun will never
set without seeing Maud happy
bride"
Maud proceeded on her way. Ma
ny times she cast longing, lingering
look behind" but William, who had
never failed to meet her in her ram
bles, did not make his appearance now.
A shade of disappointment rested on
her face, and hoping to meet him on
her return, she fastened towards the
school
Her old friends greeted her with
their usual kindness, entertaining her
Hospitality.
"My dear child" said Mrs. Mon
tague, "yon will come to the school
room and see the beautiful painting
that was sent yesterday. We know
not who the kind doner is. A note,
begging its acceptance was written in
a bold, vigorous hand. doubt not
but that it is the hand writing of the
painter, who, we think, must have
sent US this charming present, as a
kind of altar piece, since, during the
rebuilding of the church, our vicar has
used the room on Sundays as chapel
Of
1t is the Madonna" she contin-
ued, approaching the picture, and
drawing aside the vail that covered
the painting, turned to Maud with an
inquiring look.
With an exclamation of surprise,
Maud beheld in the beautiful counte-
nance of the Madonna, her own sweet
resemblance. Mrs. Montague seemed
to enjoy her surprise and confusion.
eve all said you must have set for
it," said she, kissing her white brow
"yet if the painter wishes to preserve
his incognito, we shall not ask you to
reveal it.n
The lady went on to tell that Chas.
Frost, who was her nephew, had call
ed to see her some two hours pre-
viously, when on his way to the vii
lage.
+" Did he see this painting ?" asked
Maud, unconsciously.
81 showed it to him, replied Mrs.
}. Montague. Hs regarded it long,
: hut On ri Dof a uynr1 -
Her friends were anxious that Maud
should remain longer, but arousing
herself, she took her departure, with
sad presentiment that some sorrow
was about to befall her. She had