Sun River sun. [volume] (Sun River, Mont.) 1884-1885, 1884-05-01
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BRUSSELS LACE

declared Lenox, 'thc events Of which
I shall never forget as long as I live.
I fully expected u disastrous ending
to the journey, but it has proved to
be the beginning Of happy, golden
future for me. No wonder l pinch
myself sometimes to see if l am
drcamingm
"You are lucky dog! Tell us how
it all came about"
"Have another cigar, Jack. And
You, Teddy, take that easy-chair.
Nuke yourselves comfortable, and I
will tell you the whole story.
Il had been moping about in Brus-
sells for month or more, low in spirits
short of money. and wanting in cour-
age. The Art Academy had refused
admission to my 'Desdcmona,' my
masterpiece, dashing my proud hopes
to the ground, and leaving me in des-
pairing doubt as to my next move.
At this low ebb of my affairs Rush
brooks letter came; / have it in my
pocket ut this moment. and will read
it to shorten my explanation.'
DEAR LENox: Old Morton and his
daughter wish to cross the Channel in
II few days, and need some one to look
after them on the way. "Who in the
world is old Morton? And why can't
he take care of himsclf" I hear you
mentally calculate; but when I men
ton that the daughter is Elaine Nor
ton, the raved-over beauty at Cannes
this season, you will read the remain
der Of my letter with more interest.
The father is rather weuk-minded
old purity, knows no language save his
native British, and gets fustered on n
journey. Though he would never
acknowledge it, he really needs some
one to conduct him and his lovely
daughter through the heaihenish
regions lying between Frankfort and
the scaboard. I mentioned casually
that I'm English friend of mine in
Brussels naming you, of course
was on the eve of departure for Lon
don by the route that he, (NIr. Nor
tom had chosen. The old follow seized
upon the suggestionrather to my
surprise, MS he is II triic crusty and
suspicious and asked If my friend
would join him on the journey. | de-
clurcd unhcsitatingly that nothing
would give you greater plasure; and
I told the old gentleman that you
were to be found at the Hotel do
France. Don't lot this chance slip,
my boy. Guide these helpless ones
on their dangerous pilgrimage, give
them IN idea Of what u Chesterfield
you are in every day life, together
with Il hint of what you can accom-
plish in the studio, and you will win
the hearts of both father and daugh-
ter. Perhaps Miss Morton would sit
to you for her portrait, and then your
fortune wonld be made. What aro
the small disconfolts and expenses o!
an unexpected trip to London, com
pared with the lucky possibilities il
embraces? BE at the Hotel dc France
by II o'clock tomorrow. Luck is
smiling on you; and You will, / am
sure, make the best Of your oppor-
tunities, Yours devotodly,
FRANK RUsHBRooK.
"Had l wished to decline this office
Of circumstances, Ruslbrook left me
but very small loop-hole for escape
Fortunately the idea pleased me, and
I repaired to the Hotel dc France at
the appointed hour,
II was ushcred into the presence OF
Mr.. Morton and his daughter, and,
though l wis prepared to behold
something little less than Il divinity,
my expectations fell far short of the
reality In all the rosebud garden OF
girls I did not believe such Il lovely
flower blossomcd as Elaine Morton.
Her pure profile, her hair SO silky
soft, her bewitching brown eyes, and
her perfect figure are beyond descrip-
tion.
"ATiss Morton was slightly fatigncd
and so, for her sake, we decided to
rest little in Brussels before resum-
ing the journey to London. My new
acquaintance seemed amicably dis
posed towards me Rushbrook must
have drawn the long bow when rec
ommending mo to their fayor-and
together We visited the various points
of interest in the city, l in the seventh
heaven of delight at being allowed to
walk the streets and sit upon the
shabby cushions Of cab with Elaine
Morton. She was fascinating and
pleasing in manner rs in looks; aud