Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1878-05-16


her at the hour OF his arrival. To
his establishment she was dressed in
deep mourning.
What has happened ? he inquired
with real concern what Is the mean
ing OF this mourning dress, Gertrude?'
1T means that Nicholas will give
you ITO further trouble in this world,
Harmann,' replied the lady. sadly
nor his wife, either
Dead cried the conscience-strick-
en- man, sinking into chair. This is
more than | bargained for. Dead
and | shall never see bis face again
And tears, the first the hard man
had shed for years, forced themselves
from his unwonted eyes.
You can see his face again If you
have courage to look upon it,
Are the bodies here? asked the
old man, with shudder.
They are in the parlor. Do you
y ISL TO look at them p
You must go with me, Gertrude,'
falter d the guilty wretch. 4 dare
not 90 alone
Come, then, said the lady severely
and rising from her seat. Give me
your hand | will lead you ro them
The stricken man rose feebly. He
seemed to have grown very old with
in a few minutes. He surrendered
his icy fingers to the warm, firm
clasp of his wife, and tottered rather
than walked, beside her into the
drawing room. The curtains were
let down, and a mysterious twilight
pervaded the apartment. But there
was no bier there-none of the fune-
raj accompaniment of death.
You Will not see exactly what you
expected said Mrs. Brinkerhoff
RAISE your eyes to the wall. Pre-.
vious to his death, Nicholas commits
stoned the famous painter, Copley, to
execute full-length portraits of him
self and wife. There they hang
what do you think of them?'
The old man gazed upon the wall.
Before him, within gorgeous frame,
stood bis son, dressed in rich suit.
The magic canvass seemed t0breathe.
Brinkerhoff cast but a brief glance
upon the beautiful lady that formed
the subject ofthe companion piece
his eyes were riveted upon the rather
melancholy features of the injured
boy.
What a wonderful art!!' he ex-
claimed, with a broken voice. The
painter was inspired. 1t wants only
one thing but alas that is every
thing-life o, that all my gold,
that my own life might restore his!
yet if he stood before you living
man you would insult him with a
frown.'
Not SO, SO help me heaven! Ger
truie, my wishes are driving me mad.
| could swear smile crossed that
face
1T was only sunbeam struggling
through the curtain. | will draw it
closer
Not for worlds. Let me enjoy the
illusion. tell You, Gertrude, think
what you will of it, the lips move
You have heard OF speaking like
nesses,' said his wife with smile !;
this is one of them
Father said the wonderful por-
trait.
Nicholas |! cried the man, wild
with surprise.
The figure stirred within the frame
lit advanced from the background
It sprang lightly to the carpet;
moment more and Hartmann Brinker-
hoI folded his son to his heart in the
warmest embrace he had ever be-
slowed upon him since his childhood
What do you think of Copley, now
father? asked the young man, after
he had Rugged and kissed his mother,
and dried his streaming eyes. But
you have not seen half the wonders of
art-or rather artifce. Emeline =
and extending his hands, Nicholas as
sisted the second portrait out of the
frame. The blushing bride met with
rapturous welcome.
will you forgive us, sir after she
had extricated herself from the old
gentleman's arm, 'for our plot against
your
If you hadn't believed my heart
was made of marble you wouldn't
have experimental upon it so cruelty
said Brinkerhof. But, thank Heaven
it was tough, or it wonld have bro
ken in the test
1T was a last desperate resort
said Mrs. Brinkerhoff, sadly.
you have softened it forever said
the old man. 'But can you forgive
me, Nicholas p
+" From the bottom of my soul
sir" said the young man. " Had
treated you with more confidence,
our differences would mover have ocs
Cured. | come. sir, prepared to dis
charge all your just demands"
1t you pay me dollar, I'll cut
you off with a shilling, you dog +"
said the old man. "Come. wife, and
como, children | havn't had
mouthful of breakfast, and I've rid
den all the way from the Jerseys
this morning. Wen ratify our treaty
Of peace over the chocolate and buck
wheat cakes, and from this hour you
you shall find Hartmann Brinkerhof
changer man."
He was rs good as bis word. and
from misery, surly old curmudg
con, Hartmann Brinkerhoff became.
TO the establishment of all who knew
him. one of the most genial of the
kuickerbockers.