The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-02-23

kenly. Nov will you tell me how you came by this cameo? for it is the same. 1 to-day took it to the person who carved it for me so long ago, and he recognized it at once, although it has been reset"
 Was it seventeen years ago that your child was stolen:" asked, eagerly.
 "Yes; what do you know of it!" he questioned, hoarsely.
 '' know that am your child then"
 After had told the story so often re- peated to me by my mother Raynor, they were perfectly satisfied that belonged to them, and their joy beggars description.
 Their story was that my father had given his wife necklace of diamonds, and seeing how pleased her baby was with it she had shaken the stones before her eyes, and al last, in spirit of fun, had clasped it about the child's neck. But she did not understand the fastening, and as her husband was away from home and she could not get the short chain over the child's head. she was obliged to let the nurse put the infant 10 sleep with the glittering ornament about its neck. But the temptation proved loo great for the nurses cupidity, so she had taken the baby quietly out to neighboring jeweler and had the necklace unfastened.
 The theory we, my new-found parents and l, formed was, tha, becoming fright ened at her exploit and not daring to t-y to replace the paby-l never can realize that the baby was myself-lest she be discovered, she concluded to abandon il entirely
 "Now where do these people live who have cared so kindly for you: l must see them,' said my mother.
 Reluctantly gave the address. Jack came straight to me after my mother told her errand. and he looked so old and worn and haggard that for moment l was lost in pity for him.
 Then remembered the indelicate re- marks he had made to Miles Griffith, and in trying to be frigidly cool only succeeded in crying weakly.
 "Oh, Jack Jack.' l sobbed unable to be anything but my own, impetuous self, why did you teach me to love you only to tire of me so soon!"
 " Tire. How: What do you mean, dear?" he asked taking my hands anx- iously, as if he was afraid was not quite rational. And then. as grew calmer. I had to confess how l had descended to the contemptible business of eaves-drop- ping. and what had heard.
 It was my birthday. Jack Dontyou remember you had Griffith up in the stu dio! And you told him you had made a great mist ,ke in engaging yourself to me, and-and he advised you to give 1t up, and you said you'd follow his advice
 For three minutes lack stared al me and then with difficulty repressing an in- clination to laugh, said
 Darling, how could you believe it Now listen. As you know. my forle Is landscapes. We'll, l thought I'd make one trial of portraits, so while lately I ! have been entertaining you and mother ! SO politely Tn the studio 1 WAS sly ly taking sitilngs. You know your birthday. or the day we celebrate as yours. and moth CTS. fell on the same day so IS she had often expressed d wish to have yorr DOT traii painted, and thinking ,ha, you would like hers. painted your counterfei,s as bes, could, and then before l showed them sent for Mir. Griffith, the fairesi critic in the club. lie told me candida, that AS portrait painter l was dead failure. and advised me never to allow the pubiic to see my attempts. The criti- oiSms you heard were of your picture not ofyoa. Are you satisfied
 To-day is your birthday, my dear. interrupted my new mother brightly, en- terlng the room with mother Raynor and If the other was spoiled. ask wha, you will and you may have it.
 I'll take lack. said, gayiy. And i so did, for better or for worse," year from my eighteenth birthday.