The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-11-28
Ernest greeted him with ieverish earn

Ernest greeted him with teverish earn estness.
 "I want your final judgment, Fleet wood. l have been so wrapped up in this work, that can form no idea of the final result"
 Fleetwood gazed at the canvas with a sharp criticism. He saw a weakness here, a cTudity there, as we'll as if he were not partial to the boy, had not toiled devoted ly in his instruction.
 Ernest close at his side, watched him. He could hear the boys heart beat Fleetwood turned and looked into his beautiful, beseeching eyes.
 "I like it, Ernest. It marks great i'm. provement But do not like to see You so eager for its success with Dr. Armand He may-is likely to prefer others-five other artists compete, you know" Yet his mind was made up. He would not bid against this young, ardent heart.
 '' But if you like it, Fleetwood, cannot help hoping; indeed, cannot. I think so much of your criticism. If you had entered the lists, should never have made an effort. You, of course, would have taken the prize. An, if you had loved Cornelie as do, you would have danced with joy at such a chance" Fleetwood smiled sadly.
 "When do you send your picture up, Ernest1'
 Tomorrow. Dr. Armand's valet, Bap'iste, was here to day and gave me notice. Wish me success, Fleetwood"
 T do, my dear boy, with all my heart"
 The two meo shook hands.
 Now that he had given up all ambition for himself, he was ferventlv desirous that Ernest should succeed. It seemed as if the boy had never been so dear to him He could not set himself to work on the following day, nor the next, nor the next. On the fourth morning there was furious knocking at his bedroom door He unclosed it.
 Ernest burst in.
 Hurrah, hurrah 1" he cried. "I am the victor My picture has been chosen Heaven be thanked returned Fleet. wood. !" could not have borne it if we had both lost"
 Ernest dId not heed.
 Tn to have thousand dollars, Fleet wood; and see here, Cornelie sent me this," and he pulled out a crushed rose from his breast. "Ah, the blessed little darling, she knew l would have courage now to come to Eightelms. Wish me joy"
 Gladly, Ernest"
 Ernest was wild with delight. Fleet. wood watched him with a tender smile that had in it something pathetic.
 A broad and hower-strewn path had surely been opened before the boy. He now commanded attention in the ranks ot young artists; orders flowed ip, he was liberalIy rcmunerated, and in month he was engaged to Cornelie Armand.
 By and by, in October, Fleetwood re. celved an invitation to the wedding Then he turned h,s picture from the wall looked at it fondly, and sent it to be richly framed. There was some delay but 1t was sent to Eightelms on the mar riage evening.
 The beautiful mansion was completed now, and the wedding fitted out from one marvellous room to another, lost ID admiration.
 Dr. Armand touched Fleetwood upon the arm as he stood gazing upon Ernest's panel.
 My dear young friend, thought you would paint that for me; had secretly satisfied myself that you would do it But 1t seems you did not care to make the attempt. Very pretty, isn't it? But do you knew "-rubbIng his hand through his silvered hair-"l selected it to a great extent on account of the subject You recognize the offing?" Fleetwood as sented. "The idea pleased me, you know" said Dr. Armand. \ a.k .- the old gentleman's ear. Fleetwood partly heard, and followed to side room, where attendants were busy unpacking something from box which had just ar rived Dr Armand caught a glimpse flushed, paled, stayed every hand. "Wait; turn it to the wall until your mistress comes down. The bride must have the first sight of this. It is wonder full'
 Half an hour later, the bridal party were in the room and the ceremony per. formed. The enthusiastic old connois. seur interrupted the cong gratulations to say, Come nth me, Cornelie. l have something to show you" He led the way to the side-room, with his own hand lifted Fleetwood's picture upon table and rested it against the wall.
 "Oh, the offiug w cried Cornelie. "See the sky, the light glinung upon the rocks On, Ene't, dear, this is far, far loveier than yours r
 And Fleetwood turned away satis6e1.
 He is the family friend to-day. Ern. est's children climb upon his knees and love him yet no one but the artist kno ws who painted the second picture of the off ag-Cornelie's wedding gift-Ex- ehange.
 A Valuable Book Freei