The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1886-04-07

Il was dark aud cold when Norton left
the store that day. The snov vas falling,
and the chilling wind swept through his
poor clothes ~ though they had been
tissue paper. IIs wore no oycrcost, be-
cause he would not spare the money 70
buy Il. Fseling his way mp the rickety
stAirs. be entered the dark. cheerlcss room.
and lying down on the little iron bed. aud
covering himself with the blanket TO keep
warm. he pulled from his pocket two
crackers and piece Of cheese, which he
had bought on his way home. and ate bis
miserable supper. II was 40 dark he
could hardly see across the room, but his
eye caught the CLEAN Of something golden
on the opposite wall. and wondering what
il Was. he got up and lighted his candle.
When the feeble fame Aickered up. and
shone upon "his picture" he stood trans
fxed with wonder. He thought II must
be freak Of his Imagination, and he walk
cd over and touched the beautiful face,
and then. overcome BY his emotions, he
kissed IL again and again. He did not
stop 70 ask himself how IL oame there; hs
only knew b had realixsd his dreams. and
tho picture ~ bis, The garrst VA no
longer cold and cherries. There va )
warmth and light shining from her eyes
which made Of cold. dead walls paradise
which he would not have exchanged for
the handsomest residence. No more SOL
itude. no more longing for Sunday TO
come that he might 60 to the art gallery,
no more pinching penury in order to get
money for the picture. II was there.
it was his; but then his heart misgave
him Is he thought Of his tiresome liv-
ing in such miserable quarters. and
subject to fire and ruin; and he resolved
to have better room for the hanging Of
his portrait.
Afteward, in thinking it over, he came
to the conclusion that the artist, taking
pity on him, had sent the picture in ad-
vance OF the payment and accordingly
went to him next day offered him all the
money he had saved, saying he would pay
the rest as fast as he could earn it; but to
his great surprise, the artist refused the
money, told him the picture was his, and
all paid for, but he was deaf to all entrea-
ties in regard to the name Of
the giver, as be had been instructed to be,
and poor Norton went away in more of q
maze than ever.
Who could his unknown beneiactor
be9 At any rate be was profoundly CRATE
full.
Miss Stockton now missed his visits to
the gallery. where she had often gone and
concealed by the friendly portiere, watch
cd his intent face. She knew now that
she loved him with all her heart. At first
she felt an intense pity for him, and that
was the first step, when his great love for
the portrait, and thus in measure for
herself, famed the fame, for love begets
love. She thought she understood him
and appreciated him at his real worth
saw through the tattered husk and perceiv.
ed the sweet kernel within. She knew
that this was q noble soul, above thirs'
for money, and only to be won by love
equaling his own.
In her solitude for him, she thought OF
going to his room in his absence, In order
to see with her own eyes how he lived,
and il possible to arrange for some better
ment in his condition. She hesitated for
long time, but finally decided to go,
thinking she might bo able to do him
much good. She wore plain, simple
dress. and finding the house, she enquired
for the landlady who turned ont TO be q
rough but kindly woman. Miss Stockton
told her that she took an interest In the
young man who occupied her attic, and
wished to help him, as she understood be
was very poor.
Poorl said the woman. why he has moth.
ingl He never eats anything except what
he buys now and then at tho bake shop,
and be has had no clothes for nearly q
year and half 1t fairly makes my heart
ache, sometimes, and be such kind, good
gentleman! l sometimes thinkjhe is q lit
tie wrong in his head. just como up here
and see for yourself how he lives, and sht
led the way up the dark stairs TO the little
cham Der under the caves. As they were
entering, the laudlsdy was called from be
low, and telling Miss Stockton to go In
and see for herself. she hurried down.
Louise opened the door. aud recoied
before the dreariness Of itsll. She had
expected to find poor room, but The
cramp ped, cheerless and drear aspect Of tbii
one was something she had never seen be
fore, and then on the opposite wall. seem
ing to mock the surrounding poverty. VA
her own picture The contrast VA start
ling, and overcome by her feelings. sh'
sat down 10 the one chair. and wept tear
to plying love. She was 70 engrossed
with her thoughts that she did not bear
step on the stair, and Was only aroused b.
an exclamation Of wonder. She started Il
her feet, and saw the one Of whom sh
was thinking standing 10 the doorway
his tender eyes fxed upon her, filled will
lore and surprise. He looked first At th'
picture and then Of her, and suddenl.
| t. 4 AL 4. ho
fore her, and buried his face 10 his hands
She laid her hand softly on bis head
and smoothed hack the brown locks from
his white brow, and her tears mingle'
, With bis. They needed no further intro
, dnction.
For some moments there was silence be
It~een these two. who never met before
and yet Il seemed TO them ~ though the.