The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1884-10-30

reached, and there the great gates so
appalled, poor Esther that, but for tho
hope of gaining that prize, she would
have retreated in dismay.
In few days Gertrude again visited
the studio, but this time to watch her
1rlo1dS progress only, having aban-
donod her own attempt.
1T is exquisiteT' said she, after n
careful survey. "But you have not re-
lated your interview, further than the
door of the conservatory was opcned-
then you broke off to show mo the
picture"
Il had to wait so long, and feared
the gardener would never come. so I
found my way to the lilios alone. But,
Gcrtic, l have fallen in love with that
gardener! Aud rs l don't know his
name, l mentally cali him Claude
Melnotte.'
I'm love with n gardener, childp 1
hope not! But pray sketch for mo in
words this paragon of Adams calling"
He is probably between TWENTY-FIVE
and thirty. Not exactly handsome,
but good face, expressive of great in
tclligcnce; q pleasant-indeed, melo-
&ous voice; and he has certainly somo
artistic taste, for when apparently
wondering at my lily-craze, 1 de-
scribcd the design, he then made few
valuable suggestions. And he gave
me such u basketful of ferns and
flowers and grcencry-scnding it here
to mc-that hope he won't got into
trouble with Mr.. Montcalm for so
doing!'
IF you looked rs you do now, Esth-
er, with your waves of golden hair and
rapt, brown eyes, like some peri that
has lost her way, then l should not bo
surprised if he fell in lovo also. But
only gardener! All, we'll! OF course,
you will 60 no moro to Oaklcigh
Houscp"
"No, indeed, Gcrtie; but he asked
permission to call and sec my picture
before sent it away"
And ono day he did come, bringing
magnificent bouquet, and this time
gave his name, which was Bernard.
Ester Forbes picture was consider
ed very beautiful and highly poetic;
but-ah, when docs not n but, or an if,
or some other STUN bling block cxistP-
it did not gain tho first prize
Sho was, however, awarded tho
second, and that, with the sale of later
artistic work, amply suf1iced for tho
accomplishment of her project-a trip
to the Isle of Wight with her grand
father, Captain Forbes, who, having
been sailor nearly all his life, was, in
that truly maritime little spot just as
happy as the summer days were long.
Sut before their departure, Bernard
was unfortunately the cause of scpa-
ration between the two girls.
hnl 4
little out-of-thc-way house in Hamp-
stead, had avowed his love, had asked
Esther Forbes to be his wife, and
finally had gained her grandfather s
consent to their marriage.
'Mr. Bernard is not common
gardener" urged Esther to her friend.
'Ho might have employment on the
estate,of somc great nobleman; but I
believe the Montcalms like him greatly,
and he does not wish to leave Oak
leigh"
'It is not the money, but the position,
that think Of" answered Miss
Trcvelyan, with fine look of scorn
upon her proud, handsome features.
"But am not ambitious. Neither
can look very high. You know that
my grandfather has littlo besides his
pension"
Yet, an officer in tho navy always
holds q certain rank. However, havo
your own way, and blame no one but
yourself, if some of your friends are
less cordial than formerly"
81 consider Henry Bernard n most
honorable man. He is kind-hearted,
ho is highly intelligent, and he loves
me, and l would not give him up for
fri hof
Miss Trcvelyan, you arc at liberty to
set the others an example,"
They did not meet again until one
day during the following winter, and
that chance meeting was in the wond-
rous city of Rome, whcro so many,
whether bent on pleasure, novelty, or
study, and somo from yet higher
motive, find their way.
Gertrude Trevelyan with party of
friends in one of tho art galleries, when
q lady whose face appeared familiar
passed by.
Shc was richly dressed, and accom-
panied by 4 gentleman.
eff that is the Esther Forbes of olden
days" she soliloquizcd, "thcn success to
gardcning!'
She went toward her, saying, as sho
hS4u oub " uHlHlll9 -SloFcu llIIlo mana:
'Will you allow me to congratulate
you, Mrs. -"
"1 am rejoccd to meet you, Gertic,"
interrupted Esther, land to present
you to my husband, Mr.. Montcalm.
Henry, this is Miss Trcvelyan of whom
you have frequently heard me speak" "
81 will leave you for awhile to talk
over old times" said he, after express
ing his pleasure at the introduction.
My breath is taken awayW gaspcd
Gertrude, when they were alonc togcth-
cr. Did the moonlight fairies bring
about this romancc?"
"Ethnk they did," replied Esther,
laughing through tho agency of the
lilies, and l will relate the story in Mr..
MontCaim' s own words.
" On that ovcntful morning
message was brought to mo that q
young lady requested to SEQ the hot
house, and was, she said, permitted to
use tho name of Jourdain, the florist.
Or gardener had gone to sale of
shrubs. but rs his return was delayed,