The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1876-02-12

then Tell Dack IN quiet ana refreshing
sleep.
Claude pressed burning kiss upon
the pale forehead, and then fell weep
ing at the good doctors feet pressing
his hand to his aching brow and then to
his lips in humble gratitude.
"Tut, tut, boy, get up; get up and
eat--you need food as much as she
does. / have done nothing to he wor-
shipped for" wiping his eyes with his
disengaged hand.
Nothing, done nothing" cried poor
Claude, you have saved her life
"And who will take care of that saved
life if You die of starvation?" Come. be
sensible. eat"
g will sir, will, and he fell to eat
ing like famished animal.
"Sparingly at first, my hoy, spar
ingly; l must leave you. l will bo here
again tonight. Let the sister sleep us
long as she pleases, but feed her occa-
slonally, and don't forget the wine; give
her one Of those powders every two
hours. ] think she will soon be bright
as the sunshine again. So keep stout
heart in your bosom, lad, till | see you
again"
May the good Lord bless you, sir.
will pray for you," Claude fcrvently
said as the good doctor departed.
With good food and wine came re-
newed strength and courage to the
sorely troubled youth, and he started
again his painting and with unhoped
for success; for it seemed that some I'M
seen power held even his hand, and
guided his brush.
All day long he sat by his easel, only
rising to feed Stella and supply his own
wants. And all day long Stella slept
calm peaceful slumber, a faint color
glowing in her marble checks and tint
ing her beautiful mouth.
True to his word the good doctor en-
tered little past eleven, and found
Claude at his easel and Stella sleeping
quietly; drawing book from his pocket
he commenced reading it.
AS the clock struck twelve Stella rose
from the bed and threw back her gilt
tering hair, her great eyes open, and
glowing with Il fixed look. The doctor
started forward with an exclamation of
pleasure.
"Ah, my child, you are better, You
are WE'LL" but noting the strange eyes
fell back in his seat again.
Claude fled to her side and clasped
her in his arms, but she pushed him
aside and walked over to the easel. A
troubled look crossed her face ut sight
of Claudes picture, and she put her
hand to her brow us in doubt. Then
Claude drew hispicture outand replaced
it with clean canvas and she sank into
the chair with satisfied sigh, and II
smile spread over her wan face, rs she
took her paint and brushes to begin
work.
All night long the doctor and Claude
watched the wondrOus colors, shape
and form into beauty unspeakable.
This time it was IL cherub-headed
child which grew from beneath her fin
gers, with sunny hair and eyes, and Il
smile such as might appear upon NOR
tails face at the first glimpse of Para
disc. The dimpled shoulders CLEANED
through filmy drapery of blue, and
snowy dove nestled on it's bosom.
The good doctor thought she must be
dreaming or mad as the brush fell from
the nerveless fingers, and he lifted the
dream artist back to her bed Just us the
dawn broke, and he turned and gazed
at the finished picture.
Claude, your fortune and Your sis
ter's is made. Your mothers picture
has created furore. All Rome is wild
over it. l cannot imagine what will be
the issue when this is seen. A few such,
and you may we'd the highest lady in
the land. You must move to better
quarters, more near the heart of the
city. Stella must have regal robes and
hold midnight RECEPTIONS; they will be
the rage. She must turn her day into
night and sleep, that she may be fresh
and lovely for the night. You must
have rest. l must prescribe for you as
well as your sister; yon are almost worn
ont. | shall send n conveyance for you
and your sister in an hour; sec that You
are prepared. / shall engage a maid
for Stella, so that yon will have no care
OF her."
Oh, but sir, il will cost so much"
"Ncver mind. | could have sold the
picture over and over, but remembered
my promise to you, and waited hoping
for another not SO sacred to you, and
perceive did not hope in vain. Stcla's
dream pictures are f;,tcd to he the rage
for awhile at least, and | mean to make
the most of them while can. SO good
bye for an hour"
The good doctor took his leave carry
ing the Heaven-inspired dream picture
with him.
4 month later behold Claude and
Stella in regal apartments, clothed in
velvet and fine liuncn and benutiful in
flesh and health, bnt Stellas mind still
wavering; still sleeping the day away
to wake to paint at night.
AS the doctor had prophesied, the
midnight receptions had become the