The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1883-04-11

that, said Mr.. Thaxter But Jest tell me
when you'll begin to do me, and I'll stay
over and get done; pay for the statty, anG
hev it sent home. Eli! That's my way
Is TINT what you do 'em with9 1t seems tc
be running over"
Miss Lydia started. 1t was the gas kettle
to which Mr. Thaxter alluded, and it was
boiling over and sending stream of hot
water in dangerous proximity to her back
She turned the gas off, explained, made
Mr.. Thaxter cup of tea, of which he par.
took, and listened to description of the last
illness of the departed Mrs. Thaxter set the
hour for the sitting, and then heard him plod
down the stairs, and sat down alone by the
window.
What strange things do come about =
she said to herself, and fell into revere.
The next day the sitting commenced and
Dad Miss Lydia had any sense of the ludi-
crous, Mr. Thaxters attempts at attitudes of
despair might have upset her gravity but
LYDIA was grave as a deacon. In the inter-
ests of art, she first draped Mr. Thaxter in
piano-coyer but as drapery outside coat
is seldom success, and, as he observed,
The didn't wear a table-cloth no other time,
md folks would think he was meant for an
angel" she gave up the idea. Finally, she
decided to model him looking into his hat
and leaning on the ordinary grave-stone.
This met his approval, and the work began
Poor Lydia, like many people to when
Art is sealed book, had dreadful power
of making n likeness. The object she slow
y produced was very like petrified suit of
Mr.. Thaxter's clothes, with his face as seen
IN door-knob, browning them; but it was
ike him. Both knew it. As she scraped
and dug the clay with her little lockwood
instruments that looked like tablespoons and
butter-knives, he observed and approved.
He was very proud of himself, and Lydis
vas very proud of her work, ana they talked
ncessantly, at first of the person to whom
the monument was to be erected, finally of
the past.
Explanations were entered into. Lydia
confessed to her dreams of fame; Isaac, to
pique, and that he had proposed "out OF
pite TO his Esther Ann "But she proved
blessing" he added, remorsefully.
AT last the monument was finished, and
was reproduced IN shining marble. Subject
and author regarded it with satisfaction
Mr.. Thax.er counted out the price in greasy
small notes; and there was talk OF a packing.
case.
And am greatly obliged to you, Mr.
Thaxter, I'm sure, sold LYDIA putting the
money away-a little fortune it seemed to
her.
81 Yes?" said Thaxter, turning toward her
Well, that's polite of you to say. For
the matter of that, I'm obliged I'm done
good and correct. Seems sort o queer TO
set myself standing out in all weathers,
when I'd make such lovely parlor orna.
ment. FL turn yaller won't 1 ?"
Lydia admitted the possibility.
ayes" said Mr. Thaxter, " that would
lock well in the front parlor, Liddy. There
isn't any inscription onto it yet. Couldn't
the tombstone be turned into balus-
trade ?"
1t could said Lydia.
And could get very neat stone foi
The late Mrs. Thaxter," said the gentleman.
81 doubt if it would please her to have me
standing under willow in the wet, rainy
nights. Fix the balustrade, Lydia, and III
put it in the parlor. Oh-before I go
you've seen my house?"
YES" said Lydia.
alt was built for family" said Mr.. ThaS
ter. &c 1t wants lady at the head of it.
Look here Liddy, won't you marry me and
be that lady? don't believe sculping pays,
and am real good provider, If I say it
myself"
"My gracious it is so sudden !" said
Miss Lydia.
But she did not say ono" and at the END
of the duty year they were married. The
first Mrs. Thaxter's monument adorns the
parlor and the work of an ordinary stone
cutter is under the willow tree in the grave
yard, but the neighbors do not know fol-
what the work of art was intended They
call it, "Mr. Thaxter leaning onto balus
trade"
Aud Mrs. Thaxter is famous sculptress
IN Bean Hill, if nowhere else Mary Ryk
Dallas