The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-09-05


 want some tor yourself, you rascal. There; keep sober. mind. l shah be here tomorrow same time'
 Flih executed a series of acrobat-like movements about the room, then, with valedictory tug at his ferelock, disap- peared.
 "Come now, Mir. Charlton" said the artist when he had resumed his walking attire l will show you one or two of the things hope to get hung some day"
 He conducted me into the front room, where a pretty large assortment of can- vases stood on the floor; while two large unframed paintings hung on the wall Drew nodded toward the latter by way of introducing them to my notice The one was an historical piece the other c weird-looking study of Higland tarn during thunderstorm. Both possessed great merit and l expressed my admira- ton in somewhat enthusiastic language but received no response from the artist glanced at him, and vas struck with the convection that he had not been listen- ing. There was look of preoccupation about him-an air as of man struggling with an impulse to say something which his judgment dlsapproved After pacing up and down the room several times, he stopped full in frent of me, his soft felt hat tilted of his broad forehead, aud his hands stuck into the pocket of his waist coat-a favorite attitude of his, by the way.
 "l say, Charlton, told you had never coveted anything but home. Well, I was wrong for have never had 'riend. mean. of course, a fellow of my own age. Few have a wider circle of ac- quaintances among such than have and numbers of them, to do them justice, would, believe, be ready to act the part of real friends at a pinch. But then, they all fight shy of such seif-ostracized fel- low ss am. Because l keep aloof from my family connections, they think there is a screw loose with me somewhere, ID doubt. Or perhaps in some cases it may he my apparent want of a career tn at makes the steady ones think me unssic Whatever the causes, l am without a friend. And now you are going away, l shall miss the chance had hoped for of at last making one."
 have already admitted that was strangely attracted to him and nov, though far from impulsive or effusive ey nature, l found myself impelled to do what then and there did. grasped his hand cordially but silently, in both of mine; his eyes were moist as he returned the pressure.
 Drew once more moved about the room in thoughtful way for time. He stopped before couple of easels the can- vases on which were carefully shrouded, as if with the purpose of unveiling them, and then as suddenly appeared to change his mind. His movement attracted my attention. Drew, observing this, gave a cheery laugh and said: "Why, what an ass you must think me, Charlton! Here am afraid to show you a pair of pretty faces, as though the act were sacrilege Come, old fellow, I will have no half hearted condolences. But there-shade your eyesl" said he with most comical look as he undid the strings of the wrap- pings round one of the pictures.
 Are you ready 2-There '" and he deftly but tenderly revealed the face of Miss Winter
 The caution to shade my eyes seemed not altogether unnecessary: my amaze ment had struck me not only blind, but dumb. felt confused, excited. knew Drew was regarding me with subdued surprise. Rallying myself, tried to smile, but could not. Vexed and determined to command myself, l remarked without knowing what said: ''Very like, in- deed-a wonderful likeness"
 "Whst? You know Miss Wiater then ?" said Drew in quick tone
 "Yes- no, that is; have met her." l replied in a more composed voice, con scious now of my ridiculous embarrass- ment.
 Then you perhaps know my cousin as well {" he saio, approaching the second picture and proceeding to uncover it. It was not a prssentiment, but conviction that possessed me that should now see the portrait of the fair unknown, imned by my newly acquired friends hand. watched his fingers as they unfastened the covering, and fancied they trembled little. was pow quite collected and obsevant. Yes there al last shone out portrayed. It was no nasty sketch, done oy aD indifferent or capncious hand. but a likeness into which all the painters heart and soul had been thrown. A strange fear began to creep over my heart, rendering me mute Was this the object of my friends passion7 His cousin! It was strange that, with the secret now within my grasp, did not in- quire her name. Drew evidently mistook my silence for non recognition
 "Ah you don't seem to know Alice. Is it nc: a divine face2" he said with a slight sigh, which, in my sensitive frame of mind, l construed into an expression of relief
 was still silent but began slowly to feel that silence was a sin-that conceal ment of any kind was unmanly. and faith. Less to the still warm vow of friendship 1 had taken
 This is your cousin, then, Walter Yes, have seen her in Miss Winters company looked straight into the hazel eyes as spoke. They expressed nothing but unailoyed pleasure at the statement felt load slowly lifted from