The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1893-11-25


In the early part of the summer of 1870
happened to be in South Devonshire
Nv sister Bertha had been i'll for some
time, and the doctors had ordered her q
complete change.
We agreed that Devonshire was the
county which called for exploration on oul
part. We had never visited it, and il
seemed a good opportunity to do so.
We both paint, and it is notorious that
Devonshire is paradise for artists.
We established ourselves at the seaside
and spent very pleasant fortnight, max
ing excursions inland, as opportunity served
for the purpose of sketching.
| began a somewhat important picture;
but its progress was interrupted by oul
discovery that Bertha's health, so far from
improving, was certainly deteriorating
She grew languid and disinclined to move
from the beach, She slept badly, and al
together it became clear that the south
coast of Deyonshire was not favorable tc
her health.
Without days delay We took train in
land, finally pitching our tent, metaphori-
cally, on the borders of Dartmoor 1t was
not entirely an unknown country to us
for we had made one or two excursions as
far as the moor during the preceding fort
night, and had been greatly charmed with
the scenery. Hence, far from regrettins
our move, in the course of few days we
became thoroughly reconciled to-it.
We had taken up our headquarters at an
outlying farmhouse to which we had been
recommended by the proprietor of the hotel
in the village. The hotel was full so the
landlord had no motive in misleading us.
We found Mr.. Russell, the farmer, an
excellent specimen of the species, and, al
though the cookery of his household was
not all that could be desired, the food was
plentiful and wholesome.
He kept very neat little trap, of which
he only made use once week when driv-
ing to the village; at other times it was at
our disposal, and we made frequent excur-
sions in the surrounding neighborhood
under the guidance of boy, who was pro-
NOTED for the occasion to the post Of coach
man. Though more accustomed to driving
a cart than gig, he knew the horse, and
so managed very well.
We found it very pleasant to start soon
after breakfast, and, taking our painting
apparatus with us, together with some
lunch, fix on favorite spot, and then paint
until late in the afternoon; after which we
would drive back to the nearest approach
to dinner which we could obtain.
Undeterred by my failure to finish my
former picture, l started another important
one, from aview of Hay Tor. had nearly
finished it. One day more and it would
be completed.
We had arranged that on certain Tues
day we would take our last drive in that
direction, in order that might finish my
painting. After that we would seek fresh
fields to conquer.
Unfortunately, when Tuesday morning
came, my sister Bertha found herself far
from WELL She confessed that she had
had bad night, and felt utterly disinclined
to leave the house.
was very much annoyed, both on her
account ana my own, Tor there had been
signs of breaking weather, and Mr. Russell
informed us that there was no doubt that
in the course Of anotherday or so we should
have thorough change.
aYou must not think of staying in on
my account, said Bertha decidedly. ~
shall be perfectly comfortable here; all
want is little rest. You had better have
your trip, and finish your pictufe, by all
means"
protested that | did not like to leave
her alone, as she was not feeling so well as
usual. But she insisted that it was moth
ing more than temporary indisposition,
and that my staying at home would an
noy her very considerably.
lat last allowed myself to be persuaded,
and placed Bertha in the charge Of Mrs.
Russell, good, motherly woman, who was