The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1872-05-02

and lile.like, which we examined
with pleasure, recognizing familiar
haunts and objects. Other anG
more numerous sketches in pencil
for which he would take subjects lol
his winters work. Az I brushed by
n canvas which was turned with its
face toward the wall it fell over, anG
and | saw that il was q ferale fig
urc.
"Why, you have not shown lis all,
l said, lifting it and starting with
surprise, rs saw who was represent.
ed there. The artist took u ster
forward, and then checked himsel
with very red face.
"Why bless my heart. it's oul
Dilly," Said father, adjusting his
spectacles. ...... ......... ....
and it looks just Ike her, too
What u pretty pictur!" mother
chimod in. ..
1t was, indeed, u perfect likeness
and q charming picture, represent
ing her rs standing in u musing att
tudo, the bsautituleyes looking away
off into the distance, the hands fold
ed lightly together, and II spray of
flowers droopingin tho wavy hair.
"Will you not forgive mo the pre-
sumption!" I heard the artist say
eagerly and in low tones to the orig
inal Of the portrait.
"What is there to folgivc?' Oily
said, but she looked pale, and did
not act quite natural,
81 assure you it was not intended
for the public gaze; / did not mean
any one to know it. Ii you say the
word | will destroy it, he said, low
cring his voice still more But |
heard every word, although | appear
ed to be absorbed in examining the
picture.
"Why should l? Keep it if it is
any pleasure to you," she answered,
turning away indiilercntly.
After tea, us Dilly and / were wash
ing dishes, the artist saunIered in
and seated himself at the table, He
was very quiet, and so were we. Al
ter q while we tUrned and found him
busily engaged in drawing something
on the slde Of tin pan that stood on
the table.
"What are you doing?" I quorried.
"Drawing u little sketch as a
souvenir; to recall my existence to
Miss Dilly every time she uses this
pan. Say that you will miss me,
won't your he continued pathctical-
ly.
"Of course" she answered prompt
ly. "But why did you put June So
"BecaIse that was the first day I
first met you," with slight cmpha-
sis on the ''you."
Sno flushed slightly, but said moth
ing, and we watched him in silence
until he had finished. 1t was really
very pretty and we'll done, as you
can see even now, although it is
much worn. [ went up stairs for
something, and when | came back
found Dilly with very rcd face and
the artist with u very happy one.
"Cousin Nancy, congratulate mel"
he cried, and did 50.
The next June the artist carried
our Dilly from us oyerthe seas, and
they have never come back. Reports
of his fame and his wife's beauty
and grace have reached us. however.
Years rolled by, John was settled
over ~ tlourishing city church, Phil
on farm in the distant Weat, father
and mother were gone, aud | was
alone. Then one day ] received o
letter from Paul and Adela, asking
me to receive and cherish and save
to thom their sunbeam, their darling.
And 50 in a short time they are COM
ing to claim her again.
cousin Nancy, you have been
telling me # my own darling moth
er,' cried Flo, jumping to her feet
and throwing her arms 'about tho
dear oman's neck, and giving her
vehement hug. 'How, delighted they
will be to see this dear old place
again and the tin pan. You saved
it purposely did not you?'
81 think they will be moro delight
ed to find you perfectly we'll" was
tho response.
Flo took the pan to the window
and studied the device once more.
Absorbed in thought neither she or,
Hiss Nancy heard n carriage stop IN
the road, but by-and-by n rustling in
the doorway attracted their at;en-1
ton, and there tall gentleman and
a graceful lady, with the sweetest
face you ever SOW, stood smiling
down upon then.
"Fahter mother!" screamed Flo,
darting forward, while tho pan fell
gathering to tho floor. !
The chestnuts rested undistuibed
upon the garret floor that night.