Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1884-03-20


from mSr
The sweet wistful smile stirred Bernard
Gives heart strangely. The stern lines
about his mouth relaxed q little.
u will gladly accept your gratitude, Lady
Crews, and any naorsel Of interest you can
spare TO q struggling artist"
"You paint portraits! Will you undertake
a picture Of met must leave one behind me,
il only as a legacy for poor Alicia"
The artist flushed again.
1If could be sure this was no fictitious
want conjursd up for my benefit, he stam-
mered.
"How difficult you a1el Ny cousin will
tell you that intended to set some one to
work upon me next time I went to town.
Isn't 1t 50, AliciaT
"Then shall only Be too happy to under
take the commission"
P,slininaries were quickly settled, the sit
tor making only one stipulation, that she
must be painted in character.
n won't inflict 10 many feet Of more
painted canvas upon posterity. The picture
shall have some interest besides personal
one. Suggest . character for me, Mr..
Give"
Give, growing enthusiastic at tho prospect
OF such subject for his pencil, now thnt his
scruples were set a. ress, proposed that his
patronsss should set TO him as Lady Caste
wood in that scene Of Thackerays novel
where after their brief dispute she turns to
bid Esmond good night
The suggestion pleased Lady Crewe, who
forthwith despatched an order to town for
suitable dress to be fashioned after tae artists
own design.
When the day appointed for the arst sit
ting arrived, tine serve Mt, who evidently had
his instructions led Give not to the boudoir
Of luxurious loungcrs, but to a room with
northern light looking upon the gardens
fitted up as a temporary studio, where his
easel and canvas awaited him. The room
was empty. The only thing with life in them
were two Of Miss Warmers white cats curlcd
up on Telvet footstool, and some tall, crin-
son lilies in a quaint china bowl, which
somehow reminded tho ARTIST Of thSir stately
owner.
Suddenly portiere Of dull-toned tapestry
was drawn aside and Lady Castlewood'
entered. Whatever Bernard had expected.
the reality far surpassed his anticipations.
"SLau dor she cried, p!ayfuiiy, with
faint blush as she surprised the sudden invol-
untary admiration in his eyes "An old.
world enough to please you'll Alicia says
am splendid! She IL y severe critic, 80 bo
sure you do Lady Csstlewood Justice"
He rallied his mazed senses and set to work
then, and many days after. The dingy inn
paror looked dngier than ever when he re-
turned to it after those pleasant sittings. His
own company failed to satisfy him after the
hours of easy y-aowing talk. willis Miss War
ner ambled in and out with her knitting,
fondled her cats, and time glidei on like
dream. The artists reserve began to wear
off in all atmosphere where there waS nothing
to wound the proud sensitivencSs OF one who
hGd been hitherto at outs with fortune
Entioed by his sitters gentle questioning
he would speak fresly OF his work; OF the
failures and successes OF the past Of his hopes
for the future.
Lady Crewe bad good heart. She took
kindly interest In all he told her. asked the
whereabouts Of his home, and sail she must
visit his studio and make his mothers &C
Quaintauce next time she went 10 town. Then
she grew thoughtful aud talked no more,
but next day she gave Give a little note to
enclose to his mother. It contained a kind
invitation to the old lady to come at once
aud spend fortnight at Combehurst, where
its mistress promised her every care and at
tenton and the best Of brac:ng air. "Yes,
and my good cousins society into the bar
gainl Alicia loves to have somebody u look
after and pet, Mr.. Clivel She has no Que
but me and her cats ] dout give her half
trouble enough, and as for the cats-the big
white one pinchel its tail in the door at
breakfast time and she has been crying all
the morning about it"
LII truth Miss Warner entered at t1is mo-
ment with detected countenaues and fearful
eyes, but quite ready to second her darling's
invitation. Bernard's scruples ware swept
away at last in the tide Of both ladies' gener.
Gus hospitality. and he forwarded the invita-
ton. 1t was gratefully accepted; and . few
days saw Mrs. Clive established in two cosy
rooms en- suite ON the ground hoor, locking
upon an old fashioned flower garden, where
she could stroll unmolasted Whenever the
fancy took her.
Alicia Warner struck up great friendship
with the gentle, sill ver-haired old lady. They
caresssd the eats, discussed Bernard's per-
fections. exchanged knitting patterns, and
played exciting games Of whist W til double
dummy, while the elder lady's eyes grew
bright and almost youthful aguin, aud the
delicate pink Of improving health returned to
her faded check. Bernard in his honsly inn
could work ut case knowing his mother 50
we'll cared for.
One day about this time Miss Warner told
Give her cousins history. Not an uncom-
mon one.
She had been Miss Mohun. Her fathers
affairs had become embarrassed AMI his
heavily mortgagsd family estates we're about
70 ,,o inf ha ho pdr of strapverS rh hort tk.
n,ortga&ee, Dir Edward Grove, Il newly
knighted Manchester manufacturer, offered
to forego his claim upon condition Of recev-
ing the hand In marriage CT Gen. Nohuns
beautiful daughter, then just eighteen.
Gisela Mohun was devoted to her father; be
wes in failing health; she consented to make
the sacrifice The fruit OF it lasted until her
father died, a fortnight after her marriage;
the sacrifice itself for Eve long years, during
which Gsela Crewe made daily Offering Of
youth, and health, and hope at the shrine Of
her invalid husband. There ware tears evsn
the story.) He had been stricken with
paralysis a few months after their union.
Henceforth the wife's role was that Of
nurse to @ selfish, cross-grained tyrant
Although she had been widow now three
year tbC Ihphebo VI shoe ioAs Iuph
was visible still in the sweet chastened eyes
and in the firm mouth, telling Of patient solf
control Of the woman Of six.and-.wsnty.
Lady Crewe had been called away that
afternoon to receive an unex pscted guest and
the sitting had been cut short; but the artist
remained working up some details Of COS
tune until she returned later in the evening
dress to hasten Alscia, fastening some Grim
l. 4
one in crossing the room. Ho thought she
did not sse how he picked it up, and covertly
pressed 1t to his lips before returning it. He
would have kept it had he dared. His ad-
niiration had deepened into reverence now.
l..