St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1890-02-01

warm up a little in the excitement Of
her presence"
Goodness seems a ~prerogative you
do not near to part with. Cranshaw. al
any rate" said Vane. dryly. Hischeeks
were flushed now. either with the
warmth of the bland May morning into
which they emerged or at his compan.
ions words.
"Of course o 1t helps a fellow on
through the world amazingly. It's you
fellows who fire up, then freeze of 50
constantly, who meet the rubbers. I
never allow myself to hurry, to work,
or to worry-and that keeps me in good
looks. you perceived" and he strokcd
his magnificent hirsute appcndage com
~placently.
Fifteen minutes later the twain stood
in the presence of their hostess. The
rooms were comfortably thronged, cool
and perfumed, and alive with the low
hum Of subdued voices. Miss Ruther-
ford moved among her guests, beautiful,
elegant, lady-like. and with an air Of
high-bred $ mingled with youthful
grace and happiness. She was especially
kind to Vane; all her former haughti-
ness seemed to have died ont. She led
him to her r pictures and engrav-
ings: she had never conversed SO affably
or seemed so charming.
But the artist was in his bitterest
mood. He stood in the presence Of
wealth, beauty and luxury, and recalled
his W toiling studio and his lean
purse. He saw fashionable tops filling
those superbly-furnished drawing-rooms
on terms Of equality with their hostess;
while he-more than her peer in true
refinement of soul and intellect-was of
the class whom lady amateurs Of wealth
may p~atrOnize. He believed such to be
the secret of her kindness to him; hence
he put on a high, lofty air. and answered
her haughtily, almost coldly.
And here is your little gem. Mr..
Vane.' said Miss Rutherford. leading
him into a small recess of the great
drawing-room, shielded by flowing vel
vet curtains. Il hung it here, where it
might have . soft western light, Just
such as you have infused into the pict-
ure. And I only ask my intimate
friends in to see it-so thank me. please,
for the favor l show you!" she said, gay-
ly.
II do thank you. Miss Rutherford"
replied Vane, a little won from his Bit
tcrness. You honor me-tO put nv
picture here, in your private room,
music. and books, and fiowers;"
and he gazed round the little apartment,
where a harp stood in a r and
vases crowded with superb exotics, and
in velvet and gold were on the
table. ''But it is only an humble pict-
lre to contrast with all this elegance"
he said, presently.
THAT is why I like it-bccause it is
quiet. and simple. and true" said the
lady, earnestly. because it takes me
often from all this pomp. ard teaches
me- that wealth is not essential to hap
shall o many a lesson from
ny humble cottage-door," and she half
sighed as she ceased.
Et~heridge Vane's heart gave a bound, |
he dared not speak yet.
Il am glad you liks the picture; but l |
hope to paint better things in Italy"
Miss Rutherford gave q quick start.
her jeweled fingers were c.asped
I'm Italy? You are going abroade
And soon, Mr.. Vane?" she asked, un- |
In June. Miss Rutherford. Three
weeks hence"
The lady's dark eyelashes fell una
'ountably. Her manner was strangely
for . wealthy Beacon-street |
leiress in the presence of a poor artist.
'he grew pale and paler: then. by a
effort, strove to rally her self. |
ut is sudden. But you will take with |
'Ou my best wishes, Mr.. Vano.." and she |
ave him her hand.
A wild hope IA horn in Etheridge |
heart, The contact of that soft |
hand-her agitation-gave him
trength to utter words he would have
bought himself a mailman to dream of
hour before.
Miss RutherfOrd-Gertrude-if I
night take with me something more
han your good wisbes.' and he pressed
ler hand to his lips.
Miss Rutherford made no reply, but
er cheek was scarlet.
Let me hope to win thisr!" and he
lasped her hand tighter.
We will not write the lady's answer;
re know what it mist have been: for
re met her. . half-hour after, perfectly
with happiness, among her
uestS.
June came, and Etheridge vane. the
rtist, sailed for Italy: but he will not
isit Rome and Florence. or stray over
he broad Campagna alone. His beau
iful. refined and wealthy bride will be
yer beside him.
Dick Cranshaw wore white gloves At
ne wedding. and said:
1.-The Iceberg floats gently into the
arm gulf stream of married lover
eterson's Magazine.