Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-05-31
CHAPTER XI.

Next day was discharged from the hos
pital and Rayel and l were driven to our
apsrtments. He had O number of sur
prises prepared for me. A large painting
on his easel awaiting some finishing
touches compelled my attention as soon
as | entered the room. IL represented a
scene in our lives which had lasted but q
second, but which could never be forgot
ten by either of us. He had seen me Wnen
vivid flash of lightning-there could
be no doubt Of 1t now, for
here was the scene transferred to
canvas. The shaft of white light shaking
and darling across the black sky like a
cleaning sword: the man on the sidewalk
looking backward with q startled glance {;
the big drops Of rain falling sidelong IN
the wind-these were all reproduced on
the canvas. His later pictures were cha
racterized by cynical tendency whlch l
observed with regret. 1t was evident that
his sensitive mind had taken impressions
from its briet contact with men, which
were sadly affecting his thought.
He showed me numerous letters, many
of which were from ladies, who desired to
visit his studio and see his work. Indeed
nv cousin had apparently grown suddenly
famous in the American metropolis. He
was the victim rather than the victor of
fame, however, and regarded the matter
with very serious concern. The press OF
New York had been full of gossip concern
ing his eccentricities since the event
which had put INV life in danger. One OF
the society Journals had printed a highly
colored version of that little episode at the
house of the Paddingtons, and had con-
cluded its article by saying that the falr
Miss Paddlngton had fallen madly in love
with her fathers strange guest.
That night as we were sitting oy the
crate fire in our own rooms Rayel, en-
couraged by our secluslon begapto emerge
from the silence TO which he had seemingly
cone back for refuge in time of trouble.
q We shall soon be ready to sta:t for
II do not wish to go to England, Ken
dric.n said he. For long time | have
thought over it. Let me go back to the
old house and live by my fathers grave
until the good Lord takes me to better
home. / would miss you, dear kendric,
and every day L would look for you to
come, but shall be happier there"
His words touched me deeply, and was
not prepared to answer him with perfect
calmness although had lately suspected
that his dependency would lead to this
resolve.
"Why must we separate now, after we
have become so dear TO each other?"
asked. Something has happened to
change your purpose since have been III f;
tell me what II Is"
ITO speak frankly. Kendric, must say
that the world has sadly disappointed me.
II is full of vanity and deceit and selfish
ness. Every day brings tome some hldeous
revelation which the mercy of Heaven has
hidden from others. l have seen the
righteous forsaken Of men and the wicked
receiving homage; / have seen the unjust
triumphing over the Just; l have seen
some revealing in abundance while Others
were begging for bread. Everywhere 1
have found want and misery staring me in
Remembering what Christ said. sold
ell had and gave to the poor and now
there is nothing morel can do. My best
pictures, my money, and all my extra
Clothing have gone TO feed the hungry and
cover the naked. And even now. when l
have nothing left to give, find as much
misery as before. Often since have been
alone have had nothing to eat and no IRE
TO keep me warm. Then i feared to tell
YOU what had done. and | bore it in ST.
lence, hoping that l might earn more
money by painting. But could not Work.
When Hester came back told her all my
troubles. and she gave me money not only
for my own use bat for the use of Others
have wandered about the city by day and
by night ministerlng to the sick and the
friendless."
He ceased speaking, his head bent for
word upon his hands. 1t was indeed Sc
rious situation into which too generous
heart had conducted him. Nearly all his
fortune had descended TO him IN cash on
deposit, and payable to either my order or
TO his. he had, therefore. saved nothing
for himself that had been available for the
satisfaction of his good impulses. Instead
his action only increased my love for him,
if that were possible.
"Do not let these things trouble you,
Rayel," | said. 1--WE shall find no difficulty,
think, in earning money enough for our
needs. / cannot see you shut yourself
away from the world. You have yet an
important work to do among men. You
are now mOrbidly sensitive 70 the misery
that surrounds us, but you Will feel 1t less
keenly as it grows more familiar"
"You do not understand me, Kendric,
said he, starting from hls chair and pacing
restlessly up and down the room. " can
not deceive you any longer. In begging
Won to leave me il is your own happiness
am thinking Of. Please go as soon as pos
sible," he pleaded, laying his hand gently
upon my shoulder. Take her with you
and let me STAY"
Nv heart seemed suddenly to have stop
ped beating.
:" NV God, Rayel!" exclaimed. Are
we both In love with the same woman 7"
"No, Kendric, no." he said quickly, tax:
ing my hand. II do not mean that.
would not permit myself 10 love her know
ing that you love her Also"
"What, then, do you mean fn l asked.
THAT there is DANGER he answered
huskily, sinking into chair. II am fool
not 10 have thought of II long ago."
His words seemed TO sting me aud for 0
moment could not speak.
"You know what is in her heart. Rayel,
/ said presently. "ren me Is 1t false or Is