Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1882-05-30

however, to know the nature OF the fig.
ures have sketched roughly in. There
is a group passing down the aisle from
the altar rails where the vicar can still be
seen at his post; and there is figure
standing alone and solitary in pew, as if
facing the advancing party. The vicar
cannot quite fathom the design. The
church he can understand but the mean
ing of the picture puzzles him. I bid
him wait patiently for the solution Of the
mystery.
When my study of the church was
completed l went home to the Red Lion,
and there l painted in my figures. There
was little need for models, for my sketch
book was full of studies. Turning to
my picture, now progressing rapidly, l find
that there are heads Of two elderly men,
and there is q careful sketch Of young
mans face likewise. There is fair
girls face and matronly countenance,
and another face which seems not unlike
that Of Miss Blagden. At last my task
is completed. The picture is a mere
study" but it is a careful study with
al. The old church you recognized at
glance the figures Well, we
shall see.
The vicar has been busily spreading
report that have been painting pictures
of the church, and there is curiosity to
see them. now propose that one fine
day very few Of my Rockhamton friends
shall come to see my work. The circle
is very select. l have invited only Mr.
and Mrs. Spalding, the great JOSIAH
Miss Blagden and jim contrive. with
a diplomatic cunning for which have
not before given myself credit, that Nell
lie Spalding shall be admitted TO pri-
vate view. She herself has been all anx-
iety to see the picture, and / pretend that
by great favor. she shall zee it before any
one else. Mine host Of the Red Lion
has prepared nice little luncheon, even
to some dry Pommery, which 1.-THE great
Josiah have been accu stoned to
call him, possibly from the magnitude oil
his waistcoats-says he dotes upon. l
make malicious and unkind but per-
fectly just mental suggestion that in ear
ly life the great Josiah" was better ac-
quain,ed with the merit Of "alf-and- alf"
than dry champagne. Mine host has
done his best; and now wait my guests.
feel nervous and excited why. / can
hardly tell but confess to myself that
I shall be glad when my little symposium
is over.
Here at last. They troop upstairs
into the large room where my luncheon
is spread. Mr.. Josiah is looking very
large to-day. There is an air Of jubilant
triumph about him as he bustles ab out
Nellie. assisting her in taking off her
wraps and saying nothings which are
anything but "soft as the great man
expresses them. To me, his air is SIM
ply patronizing. Mrs. Spaulding is gra-
cious as usual; and Mr.. Spalding seems
to regard the near prospect of lunch with
evident satisfaction than he does the
prospect of an artistic treat. Mr.. Blag'
den sug gests we had better step in to see
the picture-lunch has evidently its at
tract ion for 1.-The great Josiah. But
tell him wait DR.. Brooke, at which an
nouncement he subsidies. Then | sug
gest to Miss Nelly that, with her moth
er's permission, she may now have tn
picture all to herself for Mons en' ar
peep. Mrs. Spalding, who is deep wit
Miss Blagden in the mysteries Of tn
manufacture Of rhubarb- jam, readily coll
sents.
Nelly follows me into room where my
picture stands covered with a crimson
cloth on my easel. | close the door and
unveil it. Nelly glances at it for mo-
ment; then growing deadly pale, sinks
half -fainting-not into my arms but into
those of DR.. James Brooke, who has mos,
opportunely come upon the scene. In
speechless astonishment he gazes at me,
but he, too, seems as if he were going to
repeat Nelly's procedure as he glances at
the picture. For heavens sake, Regy,"
says Jim in hoarse voice, "cover that
picture up!
Nelly opened her eyes in a moment OF
two, which seemed to me like an age.
Jim had employed the interval in a fash
ion not unfamiliar to lovers, believe.
And when she did open her eyes it was
clasp Jim round the neck, and her words
us re few, but decided: "Jim, dear! can
never never marry that man! will do
whatever you wish me to. But oh they
have tried ne So"
What is it in my picture that has SO