Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1890-02-13


other belongings, was packed, and we
was our destination.
1t seemed he was taking every thing
with him except his valet; so the latter,
as a consolation for losing so good a
situation, soothed his injured feelings
by calmly stealing the contents of one
trunk, and alas! l was among the pur-
loined property, and was turned wrong
side out and rolled so tightly that it was
| impossible for me to know any thing of
my whereabouts for some days.
The next time l saw the light the
condition of my surroundings. the quail
ity of my neighborS, the indescribable
litter of innumerable articles made me
look forward with Joy for any change.
An American artist wandering into
the old curiosity shop appreciated me at
| the first glance, and in few hours /
was being packed for an ocean voyage,
and we next saw the light in New
York studio. The first day after we
were all settled in our new quarters
John Marble, my new owner gave a
reception, and what gathering of pre-
possessing people it was! l won't ac-
knowledge that the men were any su-
perior to my contemporaries of two
hundred years ago, but the graceful
girls, the wonderful women, the lovely
ladies, the charming children who
thronged the studio that afternoon fair
ly made my threads thrill! And imagine
my delight on recognizing the two beau
tiful girls by whom had been so much
admired few months previous in the
old castle! 1 assure you it gave me great
qualification to see that the recognition
was mutual.
soon learned that Beverly Campbell,
who had made the sketch of me, and
Jack Marble were cousins, and Maud
was the name of her inseparable friend,
the writer of the valentine verse.
The two girls were frequent visitors
at the studio, as Miss Campbell had
agreed to pose for a painting which
Marble hoped to finish in time for the
spring exhibition; and they showed
their usual good taste in utilizing me
for background.
could see the full effect of the paint
ing in the mirror as it progressed.
There was Beverly in an artistically
draped robe of charming tone, gracefully
seated on pile of cushions, touching
the light guitar, making harmonious
contrast to my rich coloring. Who could
blame the artist-thOugh certain carp
ing critics did-for making the old
tapestry too prominent?
The work was undeniably great sue
cess. and in the spring exhibition it was
hung on the line and received flatter-
ing notices from the press and praise
from the public, Notwithstanding the
fact that | was pronounced ''too pro-
nounced for suitable background"
Before the first private view was over
the painting had little card stuck in
the corner marked Sold"
was there, too, in reality, as we'll as
by proxy in the painting. Marble had
loaned me to the decorating commit
tee, and l was hung in the corridor,
whore, though almost concealed by hor-
rid palms and pernicious plants, l could,
by looking through the doorway, see
the picture of myself and Miss Beverly.
One day it struck me there was some
thing familiar about one of the men
who was looking at our painting; he was
lost in the crowd, however, before my
curiosity was satisfied. Later he re-
turned, and for long time gazed at the
canvas. No one could wonder at this,
for it was beautiful piece of tapestry
painting and quite did me justice; and
Miss Beverly's figure in the foreground
undoubtedly added to the attractiveness
of the general effect.
The following day the same familiar
figure was again studying our work.
Finally l caught glance of his face.
Yes! 1t was my former owner Jack
Janvier!
How l longed to drop right of the
hooks and fall on his neck as he passed
near me! and how hated the stuck-up
plants for shutting me so much from
view!
Day after day Janvier came to the
gallery, and our painting absorbed most
of his attention. l always knew he was
fond of me, but for such devotion as this
l was unprepsred.
On one occasion they all came very
near meeting. Janvier had just turned
from the picture and passed out of the
gallery as Jack Marble, with Beverly
Campbell and her inseparable friend,
Maud, entered the opposite door. What
pleasure it would be, I thought, to
bring them together and have the two
Jacks and the two fair maidens formally
presented.
=
The exhibition over, the painting was
sent to its purchaser, and 1 was sent to
the studio, but. much to my discomfort,
not unrolled. However, recognized
Janvier's voice, who entered the studio
one morning and introduced himself to
Mr.. John Marble
He was enthusiastic over the painting
in the exhibition, only regretting that
it was purchased at the first private
view, before he had seen the collection