The Arkansaw traveler., 1889-09-21


 dered where my body was whether it was buried, and whether sho uld see 1t again. Then remem- bered had not made my will, and wo ndcred in what proportions my next of kin would share my humble spoils in the way of cash and securities So far had meditated in . dreary way, but now e thought took hold of mo that shook my spirit nA- ture to the core. Life body, friends had seemed but matter of little moment But this was some devotion of soul was in question. What oh, what should become of my collection1
 "I remember feeling sure that 1t would all Dc sold, and speculating idly on the prices that would be realized. My furniture I knew would create no great sensation, for though had bought we'll there was nothing special in the collection. But 1t was otherwise when remembered my Crown Derby. regretted 1t, 1t was true, but 1t with the same regret that tempers . fathers pride when hs son has fallen in the path of glory; for knew that 1t the finest and most representative coll lection In the country. The pieces even for separ- ate pieces had been bought ridiculously cheap Collected as they were into sets of the various periods, their value was enhanced immensely. It was proud thought that the Wooler collection would be referred to as having caused the most sensational sale of the period. My name would be handed down to posterity at each successive sale. caught myself reading an imaginary catalogue:
 "Crown Derby Dessert Service.-This mAgnih- cent service bought by the late duke ct the sale of the famous Wooler collection for two hundred pounds, 1t subsequently, fetched at the Morton house sale three hundred pounds and was now sold far below it's value for five hundred pounds.'
 "Though not 90 fine as my derby felt my Wor- cester and Chelsea were a title to fame in them selves and, warming in imagination, reflected on these beautiful things and scarcely noticed the void around me. Though greving for their loss, knew my griet was vain, and yet in vague but certain way l felt that 1t was not vain to hope to sec them once again.
 "It was most difficult to describe the sensation experienced in that state of existence Suffice 1t that the conviction of possibility of seeing them grew into desire, till at last I found myself Git seemed by sheer force of wilD moving in some definite direction. Gradually became conscious that was nearing human habitation, sounds were audible, not distinct, but mingled in that pervAd- ing hum which we call silence, but which is ren- dered perceptible when we emerge from the abso- lute stiffness of the other world into it.
 "At length, with 6 sudden gush of sense, found myself in we'll known scenes. l was in London. The dear old city was just the same as ever, the crowds in the streets, the shops cabs, omnibuses, even the dirt and fog all thrilled mo with pleas ure, and realized as never before how good 1t is to live Merely for the pleasure of the thing walked about the streets and visited the cid familiar scenes Eventually meant to visit Christies, but the enjoyment of being in the streets was for the moment quite sufficient, and walked along them quite happy. At length reached the park. The Row was full, and the usual block of carriages passed up and down. Among the rest I noticed Lady Seagrave's. My lord is a connoisseur, and pursuits have thrown us much together. be- lieve her ladyship does not share his tastes, and considers the purchase of china 6 waste of money. Stil she was. afabe enough to me, for the sake of her son who sits for this borough, and whom she was pleased to say assisted materially last election raised my hat as the carriage passed at a walk and close to the rails on which leaned. My salute was received with the utmost indifference. It was the most direct cut imaginable, and could not de- vine the cause. Not that it mattered much-our acquaintance was only lowing one. Still, 90 vain are men, the contempt of a comparative stranger is disturbing.
 al passed on in the direction of Hyde Park Cor ner, and, meeting one or two friends, I nodded to them. My nod was not returned and, though thought 1t strange, I reflected that perhaps they had not noticed me. But 1t was dismal work walking in 6 crowd and knowing no one, and 90 it was with unusual pleasure that noticed my cousin