The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1877-07-28
Selert Sturg,
THE ARTISTS BRIDE.

u was morning IN early June-s0ft,
warm aud odorous.
In large room at the very top of an
oldiashioned mansion, an artist stood be-
fore bis easel, surveying the portrait which
had just received the finishing touches
from the long, pale fingers.
He turned suddenly away as if sharp
png had shot through his frame, aud,
pressing his hand upon his heart, he
eoughed, slightly, and in moment his lips
were red with blood
:" This will finish me, perhaps, said tho
boy for he was but child in years, and
The ameness under which he suffered
made him look young by reducing his
height.
A light tap ut the door made him start
tie called family, "Come in, ," and there
enered young girl of small and delicate
Figure, and face which was absolutely
startling in its beauty.
AS she entered, Michael Waldmyer at
tempted to conceal the traces Of his recent
sqHering, hut her quick eye saw them, and
the ialtered and turned pale. at is moth.
ng-absOlutely nothing, Madeline. Its
PaIy an accidental fit of coughing which
Produced it," Madeline looked mourn
aly at the blood drops on his clothes,
fad then at the crutches which leaned
salnst his chair. lie watched her look
pod smiled, for he was one of Madeline
hargraves lovers, even though he did
ave to use those appendages to his foot
'eEsi aud he knew that in her eyes they
eie no bar TO his fame and no hindrance
. bis goodness.
Why, here is father picture all flush
SAID Madeline, "but dearest Michael,
surely has not face so stern aud harsh
you have pictured him.
Just so he looked, Lima, when ! asked
I'm for your hand. He was absolutely
st'Dle IN his expression. | confess that
< copied that very look. IL was in my
l'nory too strong not to be mingled with
'eiy touch Of the brush. "
l must not stay here she said, asshe
Iusa away from the contemplation Of
A' pale face. "Papa is coming here,
~ l would rather not meet him"
ne called her to his side again, aud she
'u' over him with loving smile.
Let me show you this letter, dearest
Alf taking one from the table before
lin. Wv '0'
u was from a well-known gentleman Of
\" wealth. who was noted for his liber-
young aud INDECENT artists, and
F.l aad become singularly interested in
I'u'hier. In the letter he had gener.
H offered to take upon himself the
W expense of voyage to Italy and a
~. ~ study there, if he would go at oncei
'~s'ng patronage aud influence after
~ Saall 50, Lina?"
70 certainly you must aud shall go,
~aael. Why, you would be mad not to
" this offer, Besides, do you know
,'r you 80 to Italy and succeeds l
you will-my iiither will be proud
e'sFe you when you return under the
re~ OF such man as Mr.. Lenuox
sSoa will think me unmidenly if
II Y that ! was about to utter"
wy, as II struck by new thought
VIZ TYes, Italy will be the very
2, that terrible cough. Indeed you
Alchael--and go now, yes, go now
IVY young girl was beseeching her lover
.'' RON her, even with fearful eyes
sshlugly told her. But she persis'
"a soon left him to his own medita-
uPon the subject
ue Italy The very goal to which
sougAis had flown a thousand times,
often returned us did the dove tc
-. Would his feet touch the land
of, ,,Ss Ss',al and hallowed by the art he
l,5.r irue, il would separate him from
, wv bat they were both young; and
10 ,t,, ~ when he had gained name
o. Az he might dare to claim her. Ht
d !" 60, aud wrote few brief, CRATE
z ~, ,o'@ 70 Mr.. Lennox, signifying his
:, H'iaee Of his generous offer
~ aaa Just sealed his letter when nir
s's came In. He was, as usual