Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1889-10-18
CHAPTER XXI.

st. Lawrence sat at his easel The
Clearing in an American Forest had
not progressed very rapidly of late,
though the artist confined himself to
the studio more closely than had been
his habit during the summer months.
Sometimes, holding the brush listlessly
in his hand, he gave himself up to
reverie; and then. endeavoring to rouse
himself, he painted vigorously for a
while; but what he did too frequently
failed to please him, and he would dash
out his whole mornings work with a
sort of contempt for his own inef-
fiCicncy.
Its no good; l believe l am losing
my powers" he said, after vain at
tempt TO bring out a piece of fore
ground to his mind. 81 must go away.
| must get out of this altogether. If
anything is discovered, | shall hear OF
it. But | don't know that il is much to
me now. What fool [ was to go on
lingering near her, when | knew that
Douglas loved her! Oh. Bertha, my
love, my darliugl No other woman in
the world can ever be To me what you
have heeu-can | ever bear to see your
sweet eyes rest lovingly upon another,
TO hear your dear voice calling another
by the name of husband? Oh, l am
FOOL | trusted in my own strength,
and am weak as waterl | must never
see her again; and yet what a blank the
world will be to me without herr
With groau-like sigh he threw his
arm over the back of the chair on which
he sat, leaning his head down upon it.
His was not the nature to love lightly;
nor had his love sprung up like a flower
to wither down in night. 1t had be-
gun by esteem and regard, and had
TplsnY full nASGnGGinf, "a his hAoTt hn-
fore he had himself been aware. Never
for 4 moment, however, had he ever
dreamed of entering the lists with his
friend. Douglas had Contided to him,
and sooner would he have allowed his
heart to be torn from his bosom than
have turned traitor and have sought
to win the prize for which Douglas was
struggling.
He had felt forlorn on first coming to
London, as well as aggrieyed and dis
heartened, and Douglas had given him
his friendship. believing and trust
ing him in perfect faith. st. Lawrence
was not the man to disappoint that
faith. He might sutIer-for with his
strong feelings he had great capacity
for Sutleriug-but he would never StOop
t. diShonOr in word or deed.
After q while he rose, and laid aside
his palette and mahl-StiCk. He deter
mined To hire a horse, and take 4 long
country ride-t0 try what rapid move
ment and change OF scene would do to
Danish vain longings and regrets. He
had lust changed his coat, when q
knock was heard at the door, and Doug
las entered The latter threw his hat
on the table, and himself into an easy
chair, without speaking; he looked pale
and heavy-eyed, as if he had not slept
why, Douglas, man, what Is the
matter?N asked st. Lawrence, as he no.
ticed his friends subdued, Saddened
countenance.
"Matter?" repeated Douglas. The
matter just is that have been making
a fool of myself
"IIow so, my dear fellow? What
have you been doing?" inquired St.
Lawrence.
Il have been a perfect idiot to think
that Bertha Dalton could ever care for
fellow like me- Douglas replied. Il
popped the question yesterday, and re-
ceived very gentle-Eeayen bless herI
but poiut-hlan6 refusal. Now you
know what's the matter; and l m off to
Rome, or the top of Mont Blanc, or
over The dark blue waters, or some
where, till can come back sane man"
"She refused your cried St. Law
renee.
This termination TO his friends Woo
ing had never even occurred to him. A
thrill of JOY darted through his frame
Suddenly the cloud that had overshad--
owed him was lifted away. Yet he felt
indignant with himself for his gladness.
'Do you think she was in earnest.
Douglasgn he asked, as soon as he
could trust himself TO speak.
In sober earnest. She left me no
room for mistake on that point" said
Douglas. 1t is an uncommon thing
for me 10 be off my Sleep" he resumed,