The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-10-19

was for him owing to his very limited
knowledge OF French and my obstinate
perseverance in speaking English only to
Taras.
He was nice fellow and the most inti-
mate friend of raras. A stronger bond Of
friendship existed between them than be-
tween Taras and Kavanagh, perhaps be-
cause there was more weakness in Gordon's
character. Kavanagh was undoubtedly
stronger in purpose and action, which was
the reason, / believe, for Taras choosing
him rather than Gordon as guardian for
me in case OF accident.
liked Gordon for his honest simplicity,
his obvious kindness of heart and for GER
tain resemblance TO Taras in personal APP
pearance and some phases Of character.
Like Taras, he was strong and big, fair and
blue eyed, careless with regard to dress-in
striking contrast to Kavanagh, who always
dressed perfectly and had never hair
astray-and his voice was hearty and out
spoken.
They had both the same good laugh, the
same honest, open way Of looking you full
In the eyes, the same gentleness and ready
sympathy. Both might have been cast
from the same mold, but Gordon was the
rough cast, still needing the finishing touch
and polish which gave Taras his immense
superiority. Gordon's eyes lacked the ar
tistic depth and his expression the high
intelligence and serious bent that distin-
guished Taras-just as his manner was
wanting in some quality which marked
the high breeding and refinement OF his
friend. In their hands more than any
thing the difference between them found
expression. Gordon's were pretty. with
tapering fingers and dimple In the
knuckle, soft and slow in movement.
Taras had long, thin fingers with spatula
tips, and they were full of nervous energy.
.'Ah. what a good husband he would
make, that good M. Gordonl' Mere Lucas
more than once exclaimed $50 rich, so
amiable, so gay and with such q good
heart and so easy to leadF'
But it never occurred to me that should
lead him. No idea Of marriage ever en-
tered my head at that time.
Seeing that failed to profit by her hints
and that was as far as ever from regard
ing Gordon ss a possible husband, Nero
Lucas took more decisive means Of warn
ing me againct the danger which lay un-
seen beneath my ever increasing attach
ment to Taras. She found me one morning
alone in his workshop setting some fresh
flowers in the brown Jar by the window.
ut is good to put flowers where he may
see them when he turns from his work."
said she, "for his heart must be heavy,
like sick person without hope. when he
thinks and thinks hour after hour of the
misery of his country. How grand it Isl"
she added turning to the life size group,
now nearly finished, which Taras had mod
eed in the past month from the smaller
sketch. 'How IL strikes one with pity and
stirs up ones hoartl One would say that
poor beaten creature had no hope in the
world. 1t is magnificent. And to think
that out of a piece of soft. shapeless clay he
makes figure which fills one with sympa-
thy for that poor Russiani 1t is grand to
have that power and the courage to prac-
tice it. But the gift was not meant for
him. IL should have been given to one
with no wish TO live, no love for home and
friends, not to my dear master. How fond
he Is of the world, of simple things, Of us,
look youi See how sweet he is with chill
dren and think what happiness it would
have been to such man to have dear
wife and childSen Of his own to love"
The idea of Taras with wife for his COM
panion presenting itself to my selfish mind
for the frs. time filled me with jealous ter
ror.
"why should he not marryf" I asked,
giving expression to my fear.
Because he ought not to marry. That
Is reason enough for him. His choice is
made. He has offered to sacrifice his life
for his country. and with that fate hanging
over him he will never marry. Believe me,
my poor little friend, for l know my mas
ter, and tell you that he will never marry
-nevsr, never"