The daily gazette., 1877-06-15
THE PORTRAIT.
BY DENISoN.

"Robert Southey, you are always stand |
ing before that picture.' t. I4lf /
SO cried beautiful, a high bred girl, las
she entered the splendid reception room
where stood the young man, gazing upon
a sy1ph-like figure inclosed within mas
sive frame. .r, -t .4
Young Southey turned round hastily
"a rarely intellectual face was hls-and
greeted the beautiful girl with smile.
81 cannot help admiring the picture,p
said; "it has a fascination for me which
cannot explain to myself. Is there an
original, or is it one of those gentle dream
faces that artists sometimes fashion when
under the peculiar inspiration of hea-
ven?"r 81 iiis< g1st' s-w nnitppi lGu0,
so, it's no. dream-face;;" said Eugnie,
| lightly, "bnt cousin of mine,I believe
that is, I've heard papa say So. She is
living now, believe, but dear me, they
are dreadful common sort of people,"
i"They?" queried Robert Sonthey.
~ mean my aunt and cousin. They
are in reduced circumstances, and un-
derstand Annie has got 80 far down that
she takes work at the shops. You smile
and suppose you think ought to know
more about them, but assure you 1t is
not my fault. Ever since they would
not consent to make it their home here.
papa has forbidden me to have anything
to do with them"
"But why did they not stayP" asked
Robert.
SO, they had some foolish notions of
ndependence-said they would not live
on the bounty of those who had robbed
them, and many other impertinent things
l wonder papa was so patient with them
Pm sure he couldn't help it If it was their
home once, you know, if his brothor will
ed it to him."
$50, So" said Robert Southey. And
his fine eyes roved again to the portrait.
The noble face seemed lighted up with a
trusting lie, as he gazed, and yet, 1t
was but child's face-a child Of only
seven years. I. y.. i.
How old is that cousin by this timer"
he asked carelessly.
30, about my age. assure you she's
a very plain-looking girl. The painter
| idealized that face"
Eugene Bartlett was both vain and
heartIess, and had not even wit enough
to conceal either defect. She had fancied
that she loved more than once, but never
till the poet-face of Robert Southey met
her vision, had she in reality known the
true meaning of that much used, much
abused word. She fancied that her beau
ty was irresistable-it was to some men,
but not to him. He liked to call there
because h. often met Mr.. Bartlett, who
was a liberal patron the arts, good
scholar and interesting conversationist,
but for the handsome daughter he had
nothing more than friendship-scarcely
that. .one,.
She. however, fancied that he was in
terested in her-nay, that he was desper-
ately enamored of her charms, and did
not dream that he sought for heart, not
beauty-for mind, not wealth.
"How long did they occupy here?" ask
ed Robert Southey.
80, till she was seven-in fact, that
picture was taken the year my uncle
died, There was a great time about
the will. and when she found that 1t
was really in favor of my father, the
widow left the house and went out
West, where she resided till within a
few years. When they came back
again, father offered them home, but
they refused. To tell 4ruth, was not
sorry, for thought my cousin was a
gawry. How could it be otherwise?-
no boarding-school privileges. sup
pose her mother has been her teacher
but dear me, she can't know much"
Robert Southey glanced at the
speaker with look she could not
| have relished, had she noticed 1t.
Fortunately her eyes were cast down,
"Do let us change the subject,
said Eugene, with little start of i'm
. patience; "what did you think oi
] 4Guardaiine last night? Wasn't he su-
. perb? l positively adored him-for the
time, mean"
Robert Southey seemed quite indif-
ferent whether she adored him for the
time or all time, and replied to her
arch look with quite, almost a con.
temptuous smile.
"The Barber of Seville is l think
the most charming of operas" con-
tinued Engenie, "don't your"
"On the contrary, dislike 1t the
most" replied Robert Southey.
go, is it possible? Why, everybody
goes in raptures over it," replied
Eugenie.
IL uOu dRTtt WIFI cNCiyuOuJ
then," he said, quietly. 81 have bu
little sympathy with everybody"
, She looked as If she did not know
how take this declaration and it an
noyed her to see his eyes again wan
dering to the portrait.
"I'll take it down and burn it," she
angrily calculated to herself.
After few more common places,
Robert Southey took hi leave.
He walked about until it was quite
twilight, and then remembering an
GRAND in another part of the city, he
retraced his steps. Was it his guardian
angel that prompt him?
He had nearly reached the place
toward. which:his steps were bent
when he feIt light touch on his arm
. He looked down. There was the face
of the portrait, only more mature
much sweeter in expression. Hi'
a heart beat as it had never beat be
s fore.
''May I ask your protectiong" said
A |