Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1888-06-08

OF Ieenng, and he mad thought II a matter OF
r5gret that such mana creature of strong
spiritual necds--should link his destiny with
that of Marian Everett But he had very
soon made up his mind that Lennox knew
very well what lie was about. and that he
needed no cnlightcnment He was marrying
with his eyes open and had weighed the risks
against the profits. Every one had his par
ticular taste, and at 80 years of age John
LcnnoX had no need to be told that Miss
Everett was not quito all that She might
be. Baxter had thus taken for granted
that his friend had dcsigncdly selected
rs his second wife mere pretty woman--a
woman with a genius forrecciviug company,
and who would make picturesque use of his
money. He knew nothing of the serious
character of the poor mans passion nor of
the extent to which his happiness was bound
up in what the painter would have called his
delusion. His only concern had been to do
his work WELL and he had done it better be
cause of his old interest in Mariau's be-
Witching face 1t is very certain that
he had actually infused into his pct-
ure that force of characterization
and that depth of reality which had
arrested his friends attention; but he
had done so wholly without effort or with
out malice. The artistic half of Bakers ma
ture eXerted lusty dominion over the hui
man fed upon its disappontments and
grew fat upon its joys and trihulations
This indeed, is simply saying that the young
man was a true artist. Deep, then, in the
unfathomed recceScs Of his strong and sensi-
tive nature, his genius had held colnmun-
ion with his heart and had transferred to
canvas the burden Of its disenchantment and
its resignation Since his little affair with
Ia L L.,
Of a young girl whom he felt that he could
love and trust forever; and, sobered and
strengthened by this new emotion, he had
been able to resume with more distnctness
the shortcomings of his earlier love. lie had,
therefore, painted with feeling Miss Everett
could not have expected him to do other
wise. He had done his honest best and con
viction had come in unbidden and made 1t
better.
Leunox had begun TO feel very curious
about the history of his companions &c
quaintance with his destined bride: but he
was far from feeling jealous. Somehow he
felt that ne could never again be Jealous
But in aScertaning the terms of their for
lner intercourse, ii was Of Importance that lie
should not allow the Young man to suspect
lie had discovered in the portrait any radical
defect,
"Your old acquaintance with Miss Ever
ett' lie said, frankly has evidently been of
great use to you
II Suppose it has, said Baxter "Indeed.
us soon as began to paint. | found her face
coming back to me like half remembered
tune She was wonderfully pretty at that
time
"She was two years younger"
YES, and was two years younger De
AZ. 1..i1, i.
my old Impressions
Baxter was willing to confess to so much
but he resolved not to betrav ANYTHING that
Marian had herself kept secret He was not
surprised that she had not told her lover of
her former engagement; he expected as
much. But he would have held it inexcusa-
bic to attempt to repair her omission
LennoX's faculties were acutelv sharpened
by pain and suspicion, and he could not help
detecting in hts companions eyes an inten-
ton of reticence He resolved to battle it.
81 am curious to know he said ''whether
You were ever in love with Miss Everettm
u have no hesitation in saying Yes re-
joined Baxter; fancying that general con-
fession would help him more than a partIcu-
lar denial. 81 am one of a thousand, fancy.
Or one, perhaps, of only hundred. For you
see I've got over it. I'm engaged to be mar
ried"
Lennoxs countenance Frightened That's
it," said he "Now know what | didn't like
in your picture-the point of view. I'm not
jealous" he added. Il should like the picture
better if | We're. You evidently care moth
ing for the poor girl. You have got over your
love rather too we'll You loved her she was
Indifferent to you, and now you take your
revenge" Distracted with grief, Lennox
was taking refuge in irrational anger.
Baxter was puzzled. you'll admit, said
he with smile, 'that is a very handsome re-
venge." And all his professional self esteem
rose to his assistance. I've painted for Miss
Everett the best portait that has Yet been
painted in America. She herself is quite
satisfied
"Ah!' said Lennox, with magnificent dis
stimulation; Marian is generous"
Come, Them said Baxter; what do YOU
complain of You accuse me of scandalous
conduct, and I'm bound to hold you to an &C
count EdXter's own temper was rising,
and with it his sense of his pictures merits.
"How have | perverted Miss Everett's ex-
preston! How have | misrepresented her?
What does the portrait lack} Is i'll drawn?
Is it vulgarl Is it ambiguous, Is it inmod-
estE BaXtcrs patience gave out as he
recitod these various charges. "Fiddlesticks!n
he cried; you know us well as do that the
picture is excellent"
81 don't pretend to deny it. Only wonder
that Marian was willing to come to YOU
1t is very much to Baxters credit that he
still adhered to his resolution not to betrav
the young gr and that rather than do SO
he was willing to let Lennox suppose that he
had been n rejected adorer
"Ah, rs YOU say he exclaimed, "Nliss