Bradford opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1874-1881, 1877-08-18

Within tne room, ana nIter plnclhS VI
inanimate form upon the sofa, he lighte
the gas. As the soft radiance shol
through the room, he sprang back wit
an exclamation of surprise and deligh
His pictures The face of his idolize
one! At the sound, the younger starte
up and looked toward him. How bea,
tiful she was, with her hat falling bacl
and the damp waves OF chestnut hai
clinging to her broad white forehead
and the great lustrous eyes fixed upo
him in wonder! Bertram could nc
speak
"My mother |" she began with quive,
ing lips.
"Pardon me forgot myself"
And he brought wine, cordials, IN,
labored until the blood stole back in lit
tie fushes, and the dark eyes opened
For several moments she did not seen
to understand the strange room and sur
roundings; but when the youngel
spoke, she said "Agnes, darling I"
Mother, are You better?"
Eyes, yes I"
Agnes 1t was like her. Pure, good
beautiful, saint-like
Bertram sat in the window until they
called him. The elder was standing in
the center of the room, her mantle
thrown around her,an one hand resting
upon the shoulder OF her daughter.
II wish to bid you goodnight, and
thank you for your Kindness If it were
in my power, l would
Madam, beg you to sit down. I
have spent months in searching for you;
and l beg You, now that / have found
you. to remain here. If you are willing
to confer favor upon me, remain here
tonight, at least"
Searching for us What do you
mean ?"
"You will learn one day! I owe you
all possess"
She set back, seemingly petrifed with
astonishment.
"Who are you? 1 never met you
You owe me nothing"
"Will You remain here %
eyes, if you need me"
After time, the noble-looking woman
sat in comfortable chair near the CRATE,
her lovely daughter at her feet; and
Ralph Bertram brought forth the sketch,
and told the story.
"And are you the great painter, Ralph
l'ertnm ?" asked Agnes.
{" am Ralph Bertram, " he answered,
smilingly.
"And the great picture of which we
have read, was only poor mamma and 1,
sitting upon the bank of that beautiful
river in the country where we visited last
How strange!"
Agnes la Grange was happy and con-
ented in the splendid room; and with
Ter head resting in her mothers lap.
leard her tell the story of her fathers
(eath, their fight from their beautiful
lome i'll France, of their struggles and
and their utter loneliness,
nd smiled when Ralph Bertram gave his
and and begged them to accept his
The art gallery was crowded, and all
he fashion of London was out and prone
aiding up and down the grand saloon,
nd passing before Ralph Bertram's pic.
Ire, to admire and comment All at
nee there was buzz, and the crowd
arted on either side. Down the OPEN
lg came Bertram, with lady leaning on
ther arm, and as he passed a murmur
ent around:
" The faces in his picture ! How beau-
full 4! How perfect !''
Ralph was never happier or prouder
ian when he stood with his fair COM I
lnlons and heard their words of praise.
Id when Agnes whispered:
"It is grand, Ralph, and I am proud {
you." {
" My darling, your praise is worth s
ore than all else to me-" he answered.; c
ID he pressed her hand tenderly, and d
oked into the dark eyes, worshiping :
II glorious beauty with all his heart.
Once more the world gathered to envy i
d admire, when the handsome artist c
d his love stood before the altar in t.
'hionable church, and were made one. q
The great picture brought him for g
ne; and the originals brought him y
nfort and peace. s,