Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1873-11-06

hohSNSi, tuc Sltdt MISFORTUNE W De an
orphan. The slim pale lady youder
on the sofa, aud the spare gentleman
behind his newspaper, are the only
relations of the yonng girl, and with
them since leaving school, she has
found home.
"Well, Lydia" began the lady, lay
ing the poodle she had in her lap on
the sofa, ''have you considered Baron
Walldorfs proposal:"
Lydia looked up, shook the curls off
her forehead with an air of slight i'm
patience, and replied: "Why, aunt,
think | have already told YOU that |
do not love the Baron, and, oousc-
quently, will not marry him."
But, he is 50 very eligible" remon-
strated the lady, and the gentleman
behind the newspaper nodded his con
currence. "What can you have against
the baron: He is young, handsome,
thoroughly well-bred-'
"One of the best bred of men,"
interrupted Lydia, 'but | am sure
could never have any affection for
him." And she returned to her book,
and soon seemed to be so absorbed in
its contents rs not 10 hear the CON
versation Of her relations, the theme Of
which was the estates and income of
the Baron. Nevertheless her eyes
wandered from time to time from her
book 10 the clock on the mantel, which
now marked ten minutes past twelve.
AT this moment a servant entered the
room and annouLced-
Herr Nolkmar. baroness :"
Lydia threw her book quickly aside,
and in two bounds was at the door !;
then, passing through hail, she enter
cd an elegantly furnished room, that
evidently served as her boudoir.
"llaye | kept you waiting, Herr
Nolkmar:" she asked Aisomc
young man, whose eyes were fixed IN
tently on picture he held in his
hands, and that he had taken from an
easel which stood before him.
Not At all, mein Frauicin." he re-
piled, turning his large, blue eyes to-
ward the young girl Il have just been
making some s.ight changes in Tho
shadows of your little picture. and
admiring your bunch of violcts. There
is hardly any difference in the color"
he added, comparing bunch he had
in his button-hole with the picture.
Then you are satisfied: DO YOU
know thi, is the first word of praise
you have ever given me: The only
way had Of discovering whether you
were pleased was, by the expression
Of your eyes
And she looked up snning at her
teacher, whose mild yet manly face
WAS crimson with bushes.
II always admired your talent" he
replied, "Dut now, that see you even
surpass my expectations, | cannot
should not, perhaps-reiraln from tell
ing you what YOU yourself doubtless
know. that your talent is something
far above the ordinary"
Il thank you," replied the young
girl. frankly. as she reached out her
hand. You do not know how your
commentator pleases me love art, :,
and the hours | spend before my easel
are my happie.t.'
" ou may thank your better fortune
that you are not compelled to cultivate
your taste for art under those adverse
circumstances which otlen degrade II
10 mere drudgery. May Heaven pro-
tect you from these in the future as in
the past :" he added, rs he placed q
chair before the easel for LYDIA, AMI
began 10 prepare her colors for her.
What is the meaning of this" sle
asked.
You are 80 serious, 50 un k youg-
self, to-day"
Nolkmar made no REPLY, but reached
his pupil her brushes, and took his ac-
customed place behiAd her chair.
There was pause, during which
nothing was heard but the chirping Of
the birds in the garden, and the steady
psttering Of the fountain under the
window.
IL would have these shadows lit
tie DEEPER" said Volkmar, finally
breaking silence. $50. Now little
more light at this point. That You
will see, will materially heighten the
effect. Allow me"' And he took the
brush from hi. pupil. hand, and made
the necessary corrections himself.
lydia, meantime, leaned back in her
chair and contemplated the regular
profile of the young man as he bent
over the picture.
When he handed back the brush and
returned to his place, she asked
Are you, then, determined not 10
say anything to-day! And we have
so many unfinished battles on hand
This silent-melancholy. was going
to say-mood of yours is OF all moods
the most uninteresting."
II certainly have great reasons to
rejoice at the prospect before me,
said he, with sigh, land vet | think
of it with a heavy heart"
As he said this. he turned and look
ed into the garden. The light must
have hurt his eyes, for more than once
he put his hand to them. Lydia felt
slight tremor in all her limbs as she
remained silent.
Volkmar, after some moments, turn
ed, and, fixing his eyes on her with an
expression full of tenderness and
melancholy, he added, in low, tremu-
louS tone:
MY journey is decided upon; this
will be our last lesson!'
Lydia's heart threatened to stand
still, and then, apparently to make
amends, beat SO hard that it well nigh
took away her breath.
80, then, you are really going" she
replied, and her voice sounded SO
strangely that she hardly recognized
it; "are really, going to ltaly-to the
land Of your dreams and longingsl l
congratulate you with all my heart !"
she added, reaching out her hand, but
without looking up, lest he should see
the tears that filed her eyes. Volkmar
took her TREMBLING hand and pressed