The Mineral argus. [volume] (Maiden, Mont.) 1883-1886, 1885-03-26

now" For her expected guests were
arriving.
| And when Roy looked At her inquir-
ingly, as he missed the girl his mother
said:
"She wished to keep her room to-
night" she whispered. "All will be
i well Tomorrow.
| But when to- morrow came a sad sur
prise came with il. Avis had disap-
peared.
That l may not cause Won grief or
pain-you have been to me true
mother fly from a temptation that
would prove too strong if I remained.
| When arr gone, your son will soon
forget me. pray God tina. he may
for his sake. But l shall not forget,
nor cease to love you. Farewell, dear
est friends. Forgive your little
''AvIs."
This was all: and she had gone
leaving no trace, making no further
sign.
In vain Roy sought for her. even
with tine help Of detectives; having left
home and come to the city for that pur-
pose; while his mother. no less anxious
for the safety of the lost girl, made what
excuse she could to her assembled guests
for his absence After month of weary
searching he returned. heartsick and
discouraged.
mo news" he said, in answer TO his
mothers anxious questions; NOR will
there ever be. have lost all hope Of
finding her."
A year had passed since Avis disap.
peared, and once more a gay party Of
merry guests made The Laurels bright
and cheerful, foremost among them
Rose Brandon, the beauty and hoiress,
and belle.
A great favorite was she with stately
Mrs. Livingstone, and there was not
wanted those who named her as the fu-
ture mistress of the splendid but gloomy
house which her beauty and joyous
laughter made so bright
Even Roy Li>ingstOne's brow, on
which tho cloud of disappointment and
regret had grown habitual. cleared
somewhat as his artist-eyes took in her
fresh. proud loneliness. and as he lis
tened to her animated talk, the smile
that haG grown so rare stole to his lips
and shone like light in his eyes. His |
mother. watched him, smiled, too, well |
pleased.
lis she not beautiful ?" she whispered
to him. "She would make fair and |
gracious queen for The Laurals. Roy"
But the gloom came back to his face |
as he answered sadly:
my queen went into exile, mother a
year ago. Ihave constant heart, and !
can not transfer my allegiance"
''Roy!" cried the clear merry voice Of
Rose Brandcn-"Roy, have you given
up painting? You used to be 50 ambi-
tiQps. Only a year ago, l remember,
yon were enthusiastic about some pic
ture that was to bring you fame. What
has become of it? Are You an artist
no longer?"
II painted the picture, but never put
it on exhibition. NV mother has it in
the library. have never painted SINCE"
said Roy gravely.
A kind Of chill fell on the company;
they felt they were on dan
gerous ground. Even the beauty's hap
pv voice took o softer tone as she ques-
toned gently:
"May we see tho picture, Roy?"
He arose without word and led the
way to the library. the guests all fol.
Loving, led by Rose Brandon. Last of
all came Mrs. Livingstone, with her old
friend Mrs. Grey, a fair, sad woman
with silver hair.
Mrs. Grey was a great invalid. and
grief had preyed upon
her heart for years and broken down
her fragile body. She leaned heavily
upon Mrs. Livingsone's arm.
What is this picture?" she asked
her.
"The portrait of ono whom reared
and loved as my own child, and whom
We unaccountably lost, owing to an I'M
happy misunderstanding She was q
lovely creature, and was to have been
ROy's wife. Sometimes l fear he will
never marry now"
by this time they had reached the Ii.
brary. OF the many paintings on the
wall one only was concealed by q heavy
Roy drew the crimson folds
aside.
An exclamation from Mrs. Grey and
Rose Brandon and a murmur of admit
ration from all the rest bore witness to
the loneliness of the image that was
disclosed.
Mrs. Grey pressed forward eagerly,
her weakness seeming for the time for
gotten.
The portrait Of a graceful girl. fair as
. lily flower; the lovely, wistful eyes.
with q world Of loving tenderness in
their midnight depths, looked ont from
. face Of exquisite beauty, but as ivory,
clear and pale; tender, dimpiing
smile upon the scarlet lips. a trailing
spray of scarlet blossoms i'm the blue