The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-07-12

Sepsember, Nnese, Sir Csoree, Mr. Lumley, and l had a most exquisite walk through the woods: a midsummer nj ght's dream which filled me with sad ness, for this happy time was soon com ing to an end. Lucifes had gTo~n very dear 10 me, there sas something so in- terssting and so lonely abou, him: he sympafhized also much with my position, and encouraged me in my wish to be- come an artist.
 That night Nineste rushed, dancing and singing, into my room.
 The victory Is won, susan. am to be Lady Maitland. Sir George proposed this evening in the woods, and have accepted him and honestly do like him, he is so kind. We are to be mar ried in two months. just time to ge, the most beautiful rousseau and jewels tha, love and money can procure PApa is de- lighted, and am going to order him a whole lot of fashionable clothes, for he must never be shabby again; and shall make you a magnificent present, furnish house for you, when you copdescend to many, which think will be soon." she added with slight wink. "l shall be able 10 buy Mir. Lumley's pictures . how delightful to be wealthy!" aud she broke out into wild Preach song.
 The last day of life in paradise has come. l am returning 10 London on the following day The Talbots and Sir George are going to Paris 10 prepare for the wedding.
 It was an exquisite autumn day, with delicious silvery haze over the land scape and distant quiet sea the air was crisp and decided 10 take a long walk towards the small churchyard where the great painter M- was buned. walked through nch fields of be-troo;s. turnips, and bluish green cabbages. The peas ants were hard al work, and thought of the beautiful pictures of peasant la Dor painted by the great man whose bones were buried close to the place he had so often depicted in his pictures. 1 met an old shepherd with large flock ot sheep. which black dog was trying to keep in order. asked him to show me to the churchyard.
 The shepherds eyes Ii, up. "Ah, yes. go and see ,h- tomb of Monsieur NJ. l have often been model for him he was great painter he would love this sum set" he sad, pointing out to me the great crimson Ugh, behind the dark trees. ]" Monsieur NJ. was simple and hard working : not proud, but loved his work and lived as humbly as we do. Here Is his las, resting place" The shepherd opened the heavy rusty gate and lei, me there alone. The door shut itself heavily, and looking round l found myself the only living being in this quiet little city O! the dead. The sun had now set, the gray evening shadows crep, ssealthily upon the scene, and save the white slabs and yellow immorielles all seemed dark ness.
 had diiiieulty to find the grave ol the illustrious painter, bu, a; last, after three-quarters of an hours search, dis covered the famous name engraved upon a simple stone. l stood sadly in front of 1t. His works were so living. and ye, here are his rem aims, far away from the stir of the world. So alone, almost neg lected, chilly sensation, . horror, crept all over me. rushed to the door-im- possible for me to open 1t the key would not turn in the rusty old lock tired, ner- vous, down-hearted, sank upon the nearest tombstone. What was 10 do now: The wall certainly was no, high, bu, still high enough to sprain an ankle or dislocate bone. Quite overcome, felt some hot tears rolling down my cheeks. tried to rouse myself Sud denly fancied that there was some one in the churchyafd was it some uneasy ghost taking a nightly stroll! was too much awed to look around. The still ness was fearful the slabs looked almost like eorpses in their shrouds. Then a voice l knew and loved broke silence, like music-Herbert Lumley stood by my side.
 You arc alone in this chilly church. yard ~ fhis voice was more tender tha usual). Everybody is inquiring after you. The only one not anxious is Mademoiselle Nineste. who declares you are gipsy, fond of roaming; but was so anxious, fearing tha, you nigh, lose your way in the wood, that determined to try and find you. Luckily the old shepherd put me on the rght track bu, wha; IS the matter ?" he added, taking my clammy hand. and looking into my tear-stained face. You have been cry  ing, poor child. You felt nervous in this churchyard alone-no wonder and he gave my hand tender pressure.
 To my srea; annoyance my eyes would i'll with tears vzinly tried to smile but could not "l am SO glad you are here" faliered: now am no longer afraid-1
 "And so you are going away ,o-mor- row." he Inuttered, looking down affec- tionately into my red eyes. "What shall l do withou; you. 1 shall have no one new left to sympathize with me to en courage me when get wretched over my painting"
 "I am grieved 10 leave this charming place. l answered tremulously, "bu, everything that is pleasant comes to an end Death is the only reality in life.' p
 Let us come together to give another look at MA grave" and putting my trembling hand through his arm, we 0epdAd nuv vvav so tka e~~ir4a<4 ec<s