The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1873-01-30
written for the Standard
DOWN BY THE RIVER SIDE.
DY CONSTANCE CARLETON.
Chapter XXI.


The following morning Victor visited
the studio of an artist friend, and while
they we're speaking of art, the latter re-
marked
"By the way am just finishing por-
trait, a beautiful face assure you. Large
dark eyes, sad as those of Beatrice Cenci,
and lovely golden-brown hair. The lady,
Mrs. Bertram Conway, is coming this
morning for the last sitting Tell me
your opinion of it," and he uncovered
picture on an easel at his side "There
now. said he, dragging it to the window,
is it not perfect face?'
yes, and a most perfect likeness.
Truly lifelike portrait" returned Vic
tor.
you are acquainted with Mrs Conway
then ?"
"Yes. knew her before she was mar
ried. 1 have heard-mere gossip per,
haps-that they do not live happily to-
gether."
The artist shook his head "The fact
is, Bertram drinks too much, and that,
you know, is enough to distress a sensi-
tive person like Mrs. Conway. Bertram
is gay, dashing sort OF fellow, and has
many friends, but must say that there
is something about him that 1 never
liked. His wife was to have come here
this morning to sit for her portrait, and
/ suspect that is her ring now," and he
went to the door.
Victor heard Kate's voice in the hall.
and she came in talking gayly with the
artist, without perceiving him, as he was
in the shadow of the curtain. The keen
cold air had brought rich color to her
face, and she looked now like the Katie
he had known of old. She wore skat-
ing costume of dark-colored silk, trim
med in fur, and swung a small pair of
skates carelessly back and forth as she
talked
You have not what is called the Cenci
expression on yonr face this morning
Mrs. Conway" said the artist. Lucky
happened to catch it the other day, or
was it the work of my Imagination
look of pain passed for moment
over Kate's face. II may have worn it
In reality, she said softly.
well, come to the window and see if
have done you justice.
"Ah Mr.. Howard! l am afraid it will
flatter me. You artists are too prone
when painting a portrait to leave out the
defects in the face of the original" She
stepped forward to view the picture, and
for efirst time since her entrance, no
ticed Victor Hays. Instantly the bright
color faded from her cheek, and the
skates dropped with crash from her
hand to the floor. Quickly regaining her
self-possession she placed a delicately
gloved. hand in his out-stretched one,
and said quietly:
"Thisis indeed an unexpected pleasure
Mr.. Hays. How long have you been in
the cityY'
Since yesterday morning. l came
here direct from San Francisco"
"Ah that accounts for my not having
seen you sooner l was about to scold
you for not having called upon us, but
will reserve the lecture until you deserve
it,"
He returned some laughing reply, and
after they had conveFsed for some time
she inquired:
Are you not married Mr.. Hays9
NO indeed. Why do you ask2
Il heard before you went west that
such was your intentions"
"As is the case nine times out of ten,
Dame Runor was sadly mistaken. Do
you remember the name of the lady who
was to accompany me to the hymeneal
altar p
"It was Miss Orton."
II had no such designs. Bertram could
have told you better than that"
Kate's bright eyes opened wide with
astonishment as she said: at was Ber-
tram who told it TO me on the night of
| vouP n,othrr's tnarIv Xou wrre ahouL