The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1871-03-04

hopeless business, which would lead to no
satisfactory result. 1t was probable, |
thought, that the portrait had been pri-
vately taken, and that possibly few copies
had remained in the photographers hands
There was some chance, then, that, finding
the picture had sold, he might, if he pos
sessed another, have exposed it also for
sale. | accordingly dismissed my cab at
the end of the Queens Road and COM
menced an investigation of the photogra-
pliers in the Grove.
1t was weary work, for, as might have
expected, could find no counterpart of nv
portrait. l even went into several places
and made inquiries as to whether it had
been taken there ; but my question was
met with supercilious negative, one mag
nificently attired artist informing me that
their work was Infinitely superior to any
thing like that" 1t seemed like sacrilepe
to be thus exposing my picture to vulgar
gaze, and l determined to abandon the
search, at all events for some days.
thought that in the meanwhile l would
try and extract from Teddy more exactly
the whereabouts of the place at which he
had bought it. / would make him come
with me to Bayswater, and 90 over the
ground which he had traversed on the day
when he discovered the photograph. If
that plan failed, l should have no alterna-
tive but to try every photographer in the
district: and determined that, even if the
search lasted for months, would persevere
with it, and not rest until l had at least
discovered who the original of my cherished
portrait was, where she lived, and what
was her position in life. 1t was mad
resolve, but am man of a very obstinate
nature, and determined to accomplish nv
end.
On application to Teddy next day, he
received me with great deal of unfeeling
chaff; and found that it was quite hope
less to attempt to get any more precise
directions from him. He had gone in
cab to Bayswater, he said, and had stopped
to get some cigars. He had seen the pho
tograph near the tobacconists, had bought
it, and then driven on, and had 'snot the
vaguest notion so he said-as to what
street it was in. Somewhere near West
bourne Grove, that was all he could tell
me; and he concluded his information. as
he had done our previous conversation on
the subject, with the gratuitous statement
that L was great donkey to go running
after photograph. Thus far Teddy: of
| no use at all to me-
And in truth, after many inquiries in
various quarters, began in some measure
to doubt the wisdom of my proceedings
myself. Not a very surprising thing, per.
haps, when my situation was calmly re-
viewed. Here was, rushing all over town
after photographers only to meet with per-
petual disappointment; and even if l was
SO far successful as to find out who my
| portrait was, | might be as far off knowing
her and winning her as ever. looked at
the fair face, and the wonderful eyes that
met mine so steadily in the picture, and
was driven nearly mad by the thought that
| they might even then be smiling upon some
one else: that some one with good right
to such happiness was even then caressing
that sweet face. She might be another
mans wife, and all that could do when |
found her out would be to accept my fate,
and leave the place where she lived, to hide
my hopeless love, as the old song says,
'forever and day!''
At last, after visiting scores of photo
graphers, began to think my search hope
less, and to despair of ever finding my
visionary lady-love. l did not swerve,
however, in my allegiance to her charms.
/ still held my carte de- uisite to be the por-
trait of the fairest, sweetest woman upon
earth. l would continue to hold that
belief, no matter whether | ever found her
or not. The said portrait in time, after
much affectionate saluting of an osculatory
nature, began to get somewhat faded, and
to lose some of its original brilliancy. l
determined, therefore, to have it copied by
a first class artist, and l thought that at
the same time would have it enlarged. l
was doubtful about having it colored, for l
Hdi1iJ hhCN lHO SAstSl elulo W olutl. CO
took the carte to one of the greatest pho
tographers in town,-a man, by the way, to
whom l had before applied to see if he
knew anything of it,-and l gave orders
for an enlarged copy to be made of it in
the very best possible style.
The attendant to whom gave the order,
after looking at the portrait for few min
utes, said, can enlarged copy of this, sir?
You can have it directly. Didn't you
order one the other day, SIP"
"No!' said, in the utmost astonsh-
ment. "But order it now''
"Well, sir, think we have one on hand
Will you walk this way?"
In another instant had following him
into an adjoining room, and there on an
easel stood large portrait of my darling!
Enlarged evidently from copy of the
same carte as 1 possessed, but it was col
ored; and now that / could see the exact
shade of the hair and complexion, it looked
more beautiful than ever.
81 have been looking for this every
"hSiS, ooid W liz illCLuahI'
"Pray, tell me who it is 20
"Who it is??' the man repeated, looking
at me suspiciously. "Why, it's an ell
larged copy Of the portrait you have in
your hand, to be sure"
He thought of course that must know
the original; and I saw the necessity of
being cautious, or he might refuse to give
me the information l wanted
"Ah, yes" said; "but was to order
this enlargement for a friend of the lady's
and | was not told the name. Can't you
tell me ?"
The man still seemed suspicious, but
took up an orler-book, and said
"Well, sir, I'd better take your order;
we shall see the name here, | dare say"
gave my order for an enlargement like
the one before me- and begged the man not
to mention it to the person who had ordered
the first one, as it was intended as a sur
prise to some relatives. l enforced my
request by a liberal douceur and the man.