The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-07-11

gusting is this2"
 "Ha, ha, hap laughs John. What merry laugh ] And what bright, hand some fellow he Isl "Why, that's pen- nyworth of cats meat for poor Nip. Here, Nip, my boyi Meat, meat, meatp Nip springs erect at the familiar cry. "Look at him, Nell Poor thing, it's a long time since he had feast; everybody must rejoice tonight should like to have bought something toothsome for Babo, bless him. But you see it's rather difficult matter to find out any indepen- dent preferences of his at present Why, what jolly fire you've made the room looks as different as possible :; or is it that l look at with such different eyes2 An, Nell are you not sorry for the tive poor young people that were in this same room an hour ago9 There, now, have you sad again; what a fool aml Light a cigar for me, darling, and let us sit over the 6re and settle our plans for the sum- mer, while Mrs. Lawrence, down stairs, cooks the finest fish that ever roved the briny deep for our supper"
 He settled himself in the only easy chair, and she on a cushion at his feet 1; and as he smoked in perfect contentment his hand wanders caressingly over the fair golden head pressed so lovingly | against him. The baby sleeps calmly in his cradle, and Nip snores in blissful plethora after his most unusual meal.
 What talk they had, those two! How many bright, good plans they formed for the future. They were to stay in town during the season, that he might take the commissions his picture was sure to bring him and later in the summer they were to wend their way to some quiet beautiful spot in France, where Nell and baby were to regain health and strength, and where he could make studies of sea and landscape for his next great subject.
 "You know me so well, Nell," he said in conclusion, that am not afraid of being misunderstood by you; but many would think me miserable monograph Der, if they could have read the secrets of my heart when opened that letter. My first thought was of the money, not of the fame my pictures might bring me, and yet am sure no one loves his art for more pure reason than do."
 "It Is not that you love your art less, dear Jack it is that you love your wife and child more"
 A knock at the door. It is the land lady bringing up the supper-tray herself "a very unusual attention on her part. Her thin. lined face wears an unaccus- toned smile as she congratulates the young artist on his success.
 "Thank you, Mrs. Lawrence" he an- swers; " it is something to be thankful for; now shall be able to settle your bill. l have not liked to look you in the face for the last month"
 " l shall be glad of the money, sir but indeed was not thinking of what l should get myself by it "-and indeed she was not-"it was your two bright, young faces that made my heart feel lighter than it has felt for many long day. God bless you both, and the child and let this be beginning of life of pros- perity for you."
 There was little catch in her voice, and her plain face was transfigured with gentle womanly feeling
 John rose and took the hard coarse hand in his, while Nell, without a word, quietly kissed the woman on the cheek SO sweet to them both were the first words of sympathy they had had in their ioy. "You are dear good soul, Mrs. Law rence," said John, and from my heart thank you for your kind words. am sorry l mentioned the money tonight, but indeed have felt my debt to you weigh heavily on me, as know you want it badly"
 "Doat say another word, sir; but eat your. supper both of you and enjoy it. You've chosen most beautiful fish, MT. Hammond. could not have bought it better myself"
 The woman's hearty admiration for Johns purchase quite dispelled the little cloud of seriousness that had come over them, and Nell and he were soon laugh ing merrily over Jacks lucky marketing fuke.
 The Sunday was fine and warm, and in the afternoon they left the baby in Mrs. Lawrence's care, and took long saun- tering walk in the park, Nip following close to heel. As often as Nell was tired and that happened too often, John thought, with a sigh of regret for the past-they rested in the sun, and listened to the twitter of the birds, and feasted their eyes on the glorious spring picture everything seemed to join in the Te Deum their own hearts were singing. That night they slept the dreamless sleep of those to whom happiness has come SO rarely, that when it does come, it is al- most exhaustive in its sweetness.
 Where could you see a handsomer | young fellow than John Hammond as he 1 appeared that Monday morning2 True, his clothes were shabby and we'll worn, and his boots were not guiltless of cracks but who would notice these trifiing mat ters in gazing at that noble intelligent face, and that fine, upright, supple figure, now drawn to its full height in the con- seriousness of righteous pride and pleas ure? Nell for one felt, as she looked at her young husband, that the whole world | could not contain his equal; so hand some, so clever, and withal so modest and loving and good!
 "D:ar love-" she said, as the time ar. rived for him to go to the Royal Academy to view his picture, dear love, do not | wish to be selfish and hurry you, but you will not be lonp will vou2 i shall he sc