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

and approved tho nearly completed portrait
When It had been sufficiently admired; and
indeed tho severest critic must have cound II
worthy Of admiration, tho guest suddenly
turned upon her hostess. "So much for the
portrait, Gisela; but what about the painters"
Lady Crewe flushed at the sudden question
demanded 50 arbitrarily by eyes as we'll a.
voice.
His name is Clive," she said, hastily.
"Bernard Give"
"Pshawi what matters his name to mel
Gisela, may a. we'll tell you at once that
this portrait is the cause Of my sudden visit.
The story Of your romantic introduction to
the artist has reached our ears, coupled with
q rumor that you refused your neighbor,
Lord Nettlecombe, after a twelve months
wooing. What does it meanp
ut moans that would not marry Lord
Nettlecombe il he were to WOO hundred
years, instead OF onel" she answered, vehe-
mently. sDo you think 80 meanly OF me,
Lucy, a. to believe that should sell myself
second timei l did it once, and Sir Ell.
ward knew it; knew that was but chattel
bought with his money to grace the head OF
kis table, and entertain his friends. But
againl Nevcri / know now what life has
to offeri what splendid possibilities lie
within the grasp OF youth"
Her eyes softoned and shone as she clasped
her hands passionately together.
NEVERTHELESS you might do worse than
marry Lord Nettlecombe," her siscer-inaw
said coldly. "As his wife you would have
the entrcs Of the best houses, and wipe out
the memory Of your former mesalliance.
degradation like that was all very we'll once,
for money; but for love!-Pahl Alicia tolls
ne this obscure painter is handsome and
we'll bred, az we'll As talented You are sure
no tendresse for him stands in Lord Nettle-
combe's wayl-No; don't turn away from
me or l shall believe guessed rightly"
The victim, brought to bay, raised her
head and boldly faced her questioner. "And
IL your suspicion were correct, Lucy, what
thenf'
Mrs Mohun dropped her sister-in-law's
hands as though they had bsen singing
nettlcsl
4What thenl You Gises! Mohun! can
ask me what thoni Simply that you would
drop cut Of our lives as though you had
never existcdl We have tolerated Crewes,
vulgar Crewes, over. dressed Crewes, Crewes
with no single aspiration in the shape OF an
II. your first descsut In the social scale had
its raison d'etre.) But the wife Of a struggling
artist, q Clivei a nobodyi Come, Gisela, 20
to bed and think better OF Lord Nettle-
combe's offer like sensible woman"
Mrs Mohun drove away next morning be-
fore Clive's arrival in the studio. trusting her
words hnd made some impression upon her
young kinswomau.
AS for Lady Cgewe she breathed more
freely after her guests departure, and tho
recollection Of her orlily wise counScls van
ished with her bodily presence
III.
Meantime the portrait approached COM
pletion. The artist fingered over his work as
though he loved it, but excuse for prolong-
ing his task further WAS failing him There
came day when he promised himself to put
the Inst finishing touches on the morrow.
The young mistress Of Combehurst retired
oarly that evening, Had to shut her door for
once even upon the indulgent pettiug Of her
kind old cousin Once in solitude she began
pacing the room with head bent and hands
claspsd, as was her wont In parplcxed and
painful meditation, which yet ha its sweet
ness
Ale loves me: know 1t, l feel IT," she
murmerod to herself with quick-coming
bushes. "Every look. every tone, all that
he says, and still more all he does not say
tells me ~ Enthusiastically Yet hs will
break both his heart and mine rather than
bend his pride to speak! Genius levels all
thing. Why should he hesitatss Oh! for
some spell 50 unsenl those proud lipsl'
"if it we're but the other way" she cried.
"lf were only the bsgger-maid AMI he my
King Cophetua! AS 1t is, there is only ono
thing that can save US both from lifelong
misery. Can ever bring myself to such
huniliatonr
The clear night was succeeded by ono of
the tranquil, hazy mornings so common in
early autumn, when the languid sun seems
reluctant to pierce the lingering earth mi,ts.
All tie brilliance In the studio seemed
centered sn the easel where rested the beaut-
fdl picture of Lady Castlewcod,' finished at
last The artists mother and Miss Warner
were before it IN admiriug contemplation,
and in the background stood the artist him
SELF. furtvely comparing his completed work
with the fair original beside him.
Il Am SO sorry the sittings arc over; they
lave been vsry pleasant. Even SNOWFALL has
quite enjoyed theu." says Miss Warner,
plsin.vely. u must get you to paint pussy's
picture, MIR. Give, as you are 80 successful"
stroking as she speaks the biggest and heav-
lest Of her pets, which she carries In her
arms.
al shall he most happy il ever opportunity
offers, Miss Warner: but must postpone the
pleasure, as l intend leaving Conbehurst
this afternoon"
80 soon' Even FOR her pride's sake
Lady Crewe could not repress her start Of
surprise and dismay. "liave you exhausted
its beauties alrsadyr She tried to still the
trembling Of her pale lips and to put the
question carefess'y.
"Tbat would be impossible, be said gravely;
'but have fingered here long enough. Too
long, perhaps" he muttered in an undertone.
Lady Grove turned to Mrs. Give -Can't
you persuade your son to remain a little
longer-at least to escort you homei" she
asked In her pretty pleading way
any mother agrees with me, that 1t is tln,o
for ME to be gone" he answered. for her In
his deep, decided tones.
He locked at his mother as he spoke and
the two exchanged a glance full OF signin-
canoe, which their hostess intercepted. The
mothers was wistful but full Of loving eu-
ouraxoment; the sons had stern rsnuncia-
ton in it which said: "uaye confidence in
mel can endured"
Lady Crewe crossed the room, unlocked
the drawer Of an Old bureau and took from it
purse, O little embroidered trilo of plush
and gold which she handed to the artist.
"A small acknowledgement OF all the
trouble you have TAKEN" sue said, smiling
nervously. II only hope this chef d'Duvre
may be the herald Of future success In your
beloved art"
al trust so, but-Lady Crewe, you must
please take back your gift, and with it my
thanks for your many kiudnesses. l can &C.
cept no money for my work"
"Ah! you would prefer your reward In
some other form; understand"
I,,l. h.