The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1889-11-15

the artists name Is German. oftener French.
and occasionally Italian; the figures and
background also differ from time to time as
| to the nationality, and the picture Is varia-
bly, named "The Parting" "Good- By" "Auf
Wiedersehen." GOOD Night" or "Adieu,"
but the canvases all resemble one another in
displaying a young man respectfully kissing
the hand Of young woman. The Tramlays'
copy of this auctioneer's standby was called
"Adieu," the name being lettered "a black on
the margin of the frame
"Why," exclaimed Phil, with the air Of a
man In the act Of making discovery, 81 am
sure have seen a wood engraving of that
painting in ono Of the illustrated papers.
~ don't see why they should do it," said
Lucia; "it's dreadfully old fashioned. Peo-
pie don't say 'adieu' in that way nowadays
except on the stage"
~ thought you said moment ago that
old fashioned things were all the fashion"
Lucia shrugged her shoulders and said:
kissing hands may come in again." Then
she raised one of her own little hands slightly
and looked at 1t. Phil's eyes followed hers,
and then the young man became conscious
of wish that the old form Of salutation
might be revived, on special occasions at
least. The thought succeeded that such a
WISH WuS NV ehthciy PiOpci, anu Wuiio no
reasoned about 1t Lucia caught his eye and
compelled him to blush-an act which the
young woman perhaps thought pretty, for
she Immediately initiated 1t, the imitation
being much more graceful and effective
than the original The situation was awk-
ward, and Phil instantly lost his self posses
sion; but not so Lucia.
"Here," she said, turning so as to face the
wall opposite that on which the mischief
making picture hung, SIS papa's favorite
picture. He thinks everything of it; but l
say it's simply dreadful"
It certainly was. The center Of the canvas,
which was enormous, was filled with several
columns and portion Of the entablature of
ruined Greek temple
ut Is as large as all the other pictures COM
bined, you see; all the lines In it are straight,
and there isn't anywhere In it dress, or a
bit Of furniture, or even bric-a-brac."
Phil imagined his host must have seen other
qualities than those named by Lucia, and he
seated himself on a sofa to study the picture
in detail Lucia also sat down, and con-
tinued:
"There is color in it, to be sure; bits of the
columns where the light is most subdued are
as lovely as-as a real Turkish rug"
Much though Phil had endeavored to keep
himself In communication and sympathy with
the stronger sentiments Of the world outside
Of Haynton, he had never realized even the
outer edge of tho mysteries and ecstasies of
alteration Of old rugs. So Lucias COMPARE
son started him into laughter. The girl seemed
surprised and offended and Phil Immediately
tumbled into the extreme depths of con-
triton.
III beg your pardon" he murmured, quick
ly. ut was all because of my ignorance. We
haven't any Turkish rugs at Haynton, nor
any other rugs, except those we lay on floors
and use very much as II they were carpets.
| ought to have known better, though; for
remember that In eastern stories, where the
rare possessions Of oriental kings and chiefs
are spoken Of, rugs are always classed with
Jewels and silks and other beautiful things.
Please forgive me-"
Half In earnest, half pretending, Lucia
continued to appear offended. Phil repeated
bis confession, and enlarged his explanation
In his earnestnoss he leaned toward her;
Lucia dropped her head little. Msrge, who
had finished his cigar, entered the parlor at
that instant and raised his eyebrows-a mo-
tion more significant in man of his tempera-
ment than a tragic start would have been to
ordinary flesh and blood Lucia started and
showed signs Of embarrassment when she
could no longer ignore his presence; Phil
merely looked up, without seeming at all dis
composed.
III think, my DEAR" said Tramlay to his
wife, who had been turning the backs Of a
magazine, "that I'll take our friend around
to the club with me for half an hour, just to
show him how city men squander their time
and keep away from their families. I won't
be long gone"
"Oh, papa right after dinnerf We've
scarcely seen Phil yet, to ask him any ques
tons"
"Plcnty OF time for that" the merchant
replied. "We'll see him often; eh, Haynr
~ shall be delighted" said Phil
Suppose you drop him at my club on
your way homer suggested Marge. ~ shall
be there"
"Goodl thanks; very kind Of you. He'll
see some men nearer his own ago; all our
members are middle aged and stupid"
~ think it's real mean Of you BOTH" said
Lucia, with pretty pout.
Phil looked as IL he thought so too. At
Haynton 1t was tho custom, when one won't
out to dinner-or supper, which was the
evening meal-to spend the evening with tho
entertainer. But objection seemed out Of
place; the merchant had gone Tor his hat and
cOuC, anu Murpo nltiuo us uuleus anu was
donning his overcoat at tho mirror in tho
hall
I'm very sorry to CO." said Phil to Lucia.
His eyes wandered about the room, as IL to
take distinct picture Of it with him; they
finally rested ON the picture of "The Adieu."
"You shall tako my forgiveness with you,"
said the girl, 'if you viii solemnly promise
never, never TO laugh at me again"
al never will" said Phil, solsmnly; then
Lucia laughed and offered him her hand
Perhaps IL was because Phil had Just removed
his eyes from "The Adieu" and was himself
about to say sood-by, that he raised the little
hand TO his lip. Fortunately for her own
peace Of mind, Mra TraInlay did not see the
act, for she had stepped into the library TO
speak to her husband Marge, however, was
amazed at what he saw In the mirror, and, a
second or two later, at Pills entire compos-
ure. Lucias manner, however, puzzled him;
for she seemed somewhat Disconnected, and
her complexion had suddenly become more
brilliant than usual
CHAPTER VIII.