The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1873-11-13

journey.
5.Once more in Dresden, and amidst
the realism of the old familiar life, the
midnight episode of my journey began
to fade into a trick of fevered and
over-wearied brain. And as glanced
at the entry in my notebook reflected
how completely a disordered imagina-
tion may fool man. At the same time
1 resolved some leisure day to trace out
my dream on canvas, but absorbed in
Immediate study then postponed my
intention. Weeks rolled on, and went
TO Berlin to look up a college ehum
who was temporarily located in that
city. When got to his quarters, Un-
ter den Linden, L found that some
weeks previously he had been hastily
recalled to England, and another Eng
lishman reigned in his stead. As
I turned from the door, slightly
chagrined, I encountered the tenant of
Locksley's rooms, evidently returning
from a stroll.
A fine old man of the genuine type of
courtly English gentlemen, now rarely
to be met. he politely accosted me,
and in few words I told him of my
disappointment. "Do confer a kind
ness on me" he said, "and stop and
dine. am quite alone, and it is pleas
ant to hear ones mother tongue in this
land of strangers.
We exchanged cards, and I accepted
his invitation as cordially as it was
offered. By degrees we fell into the
most amicable relations with one anoth-
er and presently he told me with tears
in his eyes that within the last few
weeks he had been bereft of a wife and
daughter-all he had of best and love
lest, and was quite alone.
Then 1 strove to turn his sad thoughts
into another channel, and by and by we
fell into art talk.
"Could you, Mr.. Stanley, ' said my
host, "paint a portrait from minute
verbal description" feared not, but
would try. On whatnot at the other
end of the room I found paper and
colors, and brought my materials to
the table were we sat over our wine
" Now, Mr.. st. John, describe and 1
will draw" In hushed voice he min
utely detailed the items OF face. I
made my sketch. No, it was rejected
Az unlike. Another-alike unsuccess-
full. Averbal description failed to give
my pencil the power of catching the ex-
pression of the dear familiar face.
'aThey tell me-" said the old man, in
a low, moody tone, as if he unconscious
ly thought aloud "they tell me that
at the last she bore the mark Of a cruel
blow on her cheek. She, my tender,
one eve lamb, that I was fain to shelter
in my bosom from every rough wind
that blew.
Overwhelmed by bitter tide of rec
ollection, the old man covered his face
with his hands, and sank into silence.
Those few anguished words, dropping
like blood from a wounded heart, at
once recalled the face of the unknown
travelling companion of my midnight
journey. Once more L saw before me
the pale, perfect face, with sorrowful
eyes and livid mark on the lett cheek.
At last fulfilled my neglected promise,
and taking my pencil I rapidly sketched
her portrait from memcry. Silently 1
placed my work before Mr.. st. John.
cit is she I 1t is Emmie-my dazzling,
my darling, my darling p he cried, and
again and again he kissed the sense
less paper on which was traced the line
aments of one who was very dear. 'You
have seen her then, for no such power
full likeness could otherwise be pro-
duced. You have caught the very trick
of the half-drooped eyelids."
''Yes," I said slowly, 81 have seen
her. And what is more, on the goth
night Of january last, I promised, at
her request, to take her portrait from
memory." GOOD God It is impOssi-
BILE. On the night of the Doth of Janu-
ary she died. felt like a man in a
dream. With slight shiver recalled
the pallor, the chill, the whiteness of
the face of my companion. Was this
faithful sketch the vivid remembrance
of dead face? I took out my note
book and showed Mr.. st. John the en-
try: Promised TO paint the portrsit of
lady from memory, this goth night of
january, IS" A deep silence brOoded
over us. As soon as possible I made
my adisu. I returned to Dresden, and
once more in my studio, I FASTENED to
paint full length portrait Of the mys-
ten ious presence that haunted me day
and night. Ishould get rid OF it in that
way. At the rapid rate worked, the
picture was soon completed. l threw
all the cunning of hand and brain work
into the task, aud my knowledge of the
| art told me my labor had not been IN
vain In each detail I painted the pic
/ ture as ] had last seen my mysterious
sitter, save that, in this portrait, no IN
lovely scar marred the delicate oval OF
the cheek Anxious to see it placed ii
Mr.. St. Johns possession, I had it care
! fully packed, and 1 myself took it &c
/ Berlin. I was fortunate 70 find the old
man at home, and as begged his &C
ceptanee Of the work of my pencil, his
cordial satisfaction more than repaid m,
for the toll Of the last few weeks.
"Itbink it is due to you, Mr.. Stan
ley" he said, "that you should know
something of the history of the lad.
whose portrait You have so admirabl,
painted, and under circumstances 3,
peculiar. It cost him an evident effor
to say these words, and / begged hin
to spare himself recital that l fel
must be painful. but he persisted il
giving me the following rapid life
sketch
Emmie was our only child, and th
fondest love of our hearts trained abou
her. During an autumn s wandering o.
the continent, we met Baron Wolfstein
gay, young, handsome, and knowin
well how best to vile away woman