The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1893-07-18


the house II secret He had all the salts
faction of miscellaneous boy i'll rehears-
ing to Sophy such of the conversation as
could be overheard through the closed door,
and Specializing on the possible wonder
aud chagrin of the sitters had they dis
covered him. Even when he was GONZALES
cent and strong enough to be helped into
the parlcr and garden, he preferred to re-
main propped up in Sophy's little bedroom.
1t was evident however that this predl-
lection was connected with no suggestion
nor "Reminiscences of Sophy herself. 1t was
true that he had once asked her IT 1t dldn
make her ''feel like home'-the decided
negative from Sophy seemed to mildly sur
these fixings. and things" pointing to flow
ers in vase. the little hanging shelf OF
books, the knick-knacks on the mantc-
shelf and the few feminine ornaments that
still remained, look rather homellke to
me.
SO the days slipped by, and although MIR.
Hamlin was soon able to walk short dis
tanccs leaning on Sophys arm in the even
ing twilight along the river bank, he was
still missed from the haunts of dissipated
men. Many people wondered, ana olherS'
chiefly of the more impossible sex, were
singularly concerned Apparently one OF
these one sultry afternoon stepped before
the Swallowed window of Il photographers
she was handsome. well dressed woman,
yet bearing Il certain countrywide Slnphc-
ity that was unlike the restless smartncsS
of the more urban promcnaders that passed
her Nevertheless she had halted before
Mr.. Hamlin's picture-whch S0phy had
not yet dared to bring home and present
to him-and was gazing at it with rapt
and breathlcss attention. Suddenly she
shook down her veil and entered the shop.
Could the proprietor kindly tell her if that
portrait was the work of local artist?
Phe proprietor was both proud and pleas
cd to say that it was. 1t was the work of
Il Miss Brown-a young girl student, i'll
fact, IA mere school girl, one might say.
He could show her others of her pictures.
Thanks But could he tell her if this
portrait was from life.
No doubt. The young lady had q studio,
and he himself had sent her sitters.
And perhaps this the portrait Of
one he had sent her?
No. But she was very popular and be-
coming quite the fashion. Very probably
this gentleman-whom he understood was
quite a public characterized heard of her
and selected her on that account.
/ The ladys face flushed slightly. The
photographers continued: The picture was.
not for sale; it WAS only there on exhibi-
ton; in fact, it was to be returned tomor-
row.
70 the sitter?
He couldn't say. 1t was to 90 back to
there
And the studio? Could she have its adj
dress?
The man wrote a few lines on his card
Perhaps the lady would be kind enough
to say that he had sent her The lady
thanking him, partly lifted her veil to
show Il charming smile. and gracefully
withdrew. The photographer was pleased
Miss Brown had evidently cot another
sitter and from that momentary glimpse
! lf. I.I,4 IL no.
tlful and attractive as the mans. But what
was the odd idea that struck him? She
certainly reminded him of some one There
was the same heavy hair, only this adys
was golden and she was older and more
mature. And be remained for Il moment
with knitted brows musing over his coun-
Meantime the fair stranger was making
I her way toward the river suburb. When
t she reached Aunt Chloc's cottage she
paused with the unfamiliar curiosity of
J new conner over it's quaint and incongruous
exterior. She hesitated moment also
Fhen Aunt Chloe appeared in the doorway
~ puzzled survey of her features
- announce Il visitor There
hurried shutting of doors
MIXTURE, quick footsteps
Ven Il girliSh laugh
ended the stairs
zoe ) summons,
the landing, and
4ch bore n card mark
door opened, she enter
tlwo sudden outcries that
come from one voice:
.,npnoltisha..''
"Marianne.'
r. ''iiushr'
The woman had seized Sophy by the waist
AID dra gged her to the window There was
a haggard look of desperation in her face
ain to that which Hamlin had once seen
| ii her sisters eyes on the boat, as she said
hsliy: Il did not know you were here. |
cine TO see the woman who had painted
Mr. Hamin's portrait. / did not know it
vas you. Listen! Quick! Answer me one
! question. Tell me, | mplore you. for the
axe of the mother who bore us both, tell
Ne, IS this the man for whom you left
| lome?"
| mo. No. A hundred. times no"
Then there was silence Mr.. Hamlin
rom the bedroom heard no more
An hour later, when the two women open
ID the studio door, pale but composed. they
were met by the anxious and fearful face of
| Aunt Chloe.
'Lawdy Gawd, missy but Gey gone. bofe
| Of en-
'Who is gomez demanded Sophy as the
woman beside her trcmbled and grew paler
''Alarse Jack and dat fool niger, Hanni-
bal"
credulousy. when? Whdre?'
Jess noW-on de down boat. Sudden
business. Didn't like to disturb yo' and yo'
friend. Said he'd write"
but he was ill-amost helpless gaspcd
Sophy.
Oats why he took dat ole Niger, Law
dy missy, Dress yo' heart Dey both knows
ach udder, shuah. It's all right. Oar, now,
dar dey are--listen.'
| She held up her hand 4 slow pulsation
that might have been He dull, laborng
beating of their own hearts was making il
self felt throughout the little cottage 1t
came nearcr--a deep, regular inspiration
that seemed slowly to fill and possess the
whole tranquil summer twilight. 1t was
nearer still-was abreast of the house
passcd-grew fainter and at last died away
like a deep drawn sigh. IT was the down
boat. that was now separating Mr.. Hamn
and his protege even as it had once brought
them tgether fIHE ENID
SOME GEORGIA ,STORIES.
Mr.. Isaac Lucas, of Talbot county, IS the
| Oldest man in the county. He born in
| January, 1896, and is still in fairly good
| bnalth He is regular reader of the