The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1889-12-11

oblivious Of the noisy aum Nn'und him.
He did not even return the salutes &C.
corded him by many lady friends, who
passed him on foot or in carriage, but
held his way, avoiding all OBJ
stacles and dangers Of traffic by species
of inner consciousness. The accidental
Of his stick, however, against
some projection reused him from his
reverie. Looking up, he found himself
in front Of the National portrait gallery.
The rain was commencing to fall, and,
partly to avoid it, partly because he
didn't exactly know what to do, Mr..
Founder entered the building and wan
dered from room to room in an aimless
manner. .........,4 ...f.r
A little knot of people standing round
one particular picture attracted his at
tention. Crossing over, Mr.. Founder
looked.
1t was . painting Of some beautiful
lady, quantity clad-'perhaps fancy.
dress ball costume" he thought. But it
was the face which absorbed all his
faculties. So beautifully calm, but, OIL
how sad were those divine features.
There was stateliness blended with
softness that charmed him. Spell.
bound he yazed, and, as he looked,
strange memories drifted through his
brain. As the lady's eyes looked down
on him with sad, mournful expression,
her lips seemed to part as II about to
speak, and Mr.. Founder, entranced-
like, waited for the music Of her words.
And, while he waited his visitor Of last
night once more took shape, and, slowly
unfolding on the canvas before him,
merged into and became one with the
beautiful lady painted thereon. Once
more there fell on the enraptured listen
er's ear, the words: "Mr. Founder, l an
your true loves
Not until the last echoes Of tho,e
thrilling notes had died away in his ears
did Mr. Founder rouse from his trante,
and he looked about him with BE-
wildered air.
All the people had gone away from the
picture, and were scattered about. 1t
was some time, however, before he re-
allied how matters stood. At last luok
Of relief and triumph passed over his
face. He had discovered the portrait OF
his true love. He was on the track al
last. He could easily find out whose the
portrait was, and then all he had To dc
was to find out her address and 60 and
throw himself down at her feet. A few
simple questions and all was done. Hi
bosom heaved at the thought.
Looking round, he espied an Official
of the place. Crossing over to him Mr.
Founder asked, with bsted breath
whose portrait that was yonder.
"Mary Queen Of Scots" was the 10
comic reply.
A thrill Of happiness and pride com
bined pervaded Mr.. Founder. His as
pirations had not scared to the majesty
Of crown. Visions Of himself and hi
love seated on throne rose before hin
a. he inquired where she lived.
"Livel" echoed the official, reused
from his apathy; "she doesn't live at all
one b ueA0, HAL!
''DeadP" 1t seemed to Mr.. Noundel
as il he had heard his own knell, ani
his visage perceptibly heightened IS hi
asked when she died.
"Let me see," said the other in lack
adaisical voice, and referring to bool
which he held in his hand, ION the 8tl
Of February, 1887"
Mr.. Founders eyes filled TO bursting
as he next inquired, in tones husky from
emotion, what she died Of.
"She didn't die Of any thing" said tn
official, looking hard at him; TAT least
not exactly. Her head was cut off,"
"What for?" was the next question
more huskily than ever. He coult
scarcely speak now.
II can't tell you that" said the other
~ amt up in these things. I suppose
whoever cut it of thought she had it OF
long enough, anyhow. That's all know
about the lady, SIR"
Thanking the official for his informa
ton in voice that was barely audible
Mr.. Founder moved slowly away.
As he crossed over and gazed ON tn
picture for the last time he realized thu
gulf between him and his decapitatet
adored. But he could not help thinking
how different things might have beer
but for that obstacle. And, as he sadl.
retraced his steps homeward, he felt ag
grieved. He felt that his ancestors were
to blame; that they had done him al
irreparable injury in not having hurried
him into existence three centuries
earlier in the worlds history.-Bel