The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-07-06
THE PORTRAIT.

una IellOW arJlSJ, DUauly IarcOurU, 10
spend week with him at Harcourt park.
1t was early in the season, and only few
other guests were invited. Although my
friendship with Stanly dated back to days
Mt Elton, had never visited the park, and
accepted with alacrity.
Before starting slipped into my pocket
my latest purchase at "the old curiosity
shop'-a bracelet of twisted gold, with q
miniature on it, surrounded by diamonds.
This out of the way corner in London,
called by Stanly "the den" " and which /
had christened "the curiosity shop" at
tracted us frequently. Here we bought q
good deal of our studio paraphernalia-
effective drapery, swords and old armor.
The bracelet, felt convinced, had his
tory, although Mr.. Isaac, sole proprietor
of the shop, could give me no information
concerning it, He had purchased it few
months before at the bankrupt sale of
L., the celebrated jeweler. The gold,
Mr.. Isaac remarked, was good, but the
brilliants were of color and the minia-
ture Of doubtful execution. Ibid not agree
with him on the last point, for | admired
the portrait extremely. 1t represented a
man Of about rs, with n sad, pensive face,
which reminded me of the Kramer portrait
of Burns, although it fell a little short of
the ideal beauty of that picture. From
the dress-high rolling collar and stock
i concluded that it had been painted some
time in the fitics. 1t attracted me strange
ly from the first, nor was | content until
had become the owner of it. The sum
paid was no doubt but q fraction of its
real value, for although Mr.. Isaac was a
jew be would often let us have things for
mere song Perhaps he was not wholly
dsintcrested in these transactions, know
ing well that wewould speak good word
for him. Indeed we gave the little shop
quite boom, and one particular style of
candlestick became SO popular that it was
known ns "the Isaac"
considered the bracelet a treasure, and
anticipated surprising Stanly with my
good fortune, at the same time making
him quite green with envy.
Arriving at my destination, found Il
cordial welcome Stanly made an ideal
host, while Lady Harcourt, his mother,
did the honors most gracefully. His sister
Edith had not seen for years, and found
her a charming girl-tall and superbly
proportional with reddish brown hair and
that wild rose complexion which seems to
belong exclusively to English maids
with all due admiration for my American
cousins.
} And as for Harcourt park, it was fasci-
mating.
The house was of gray stone, ram
bling structure which had been remodel
ed, until hardly trace of its original de-
sign remained. The older parts-the tow
or and outer staircase--were almost in ru-
ins and were covered with ivy.
"You are to choose your room, old fel-
low" said Stanly rs we were exploring
the grounds "What VIII you haveP
Tower time of Queen Bess; east wing,
Charles H. west wing Queen Anne;
northern projection, George |; southern
projection, George III, and the rest, grand
medley, principally Victoria in the thirty
fifth year of her reign. You see, you can
choose any period of history and your ia
vorite sovereign, but if you have an eye to
comfort | should recommend Victoria"
"lsn't there haunted chamber?" ask
ed "Such mixture ought to develop
something OF that sort, and am particu-
larly fond of ghosts. Wait moment" l
continued, not needing my companion, 81
see just what l want. Look! the three
windows up there. No, higher up-to the
right, with thestone lodges and blue hang
ings."
My friends face fell
"Really, Hal, am afraid it's impossi-
bic. IL hasn't been occupied for years. In
fact, when the whole house was put in re-
pair, that room and the one next to it were
left ont My mother had little senti-
ment about them, for they belonged to my
fathers favorite brother. He is dead, you
know. Still, if you don't mind being rath-
re uncomfortable, it might be managed" "
at was merely whim," answered.
81 was thinking what glorious view you
must get from the last window, but of
course shall be delighted with any other.
Pray don't give it a thought"
81 have no earthly objection" Stanly
continued, "and l doubt if my mother
has. Your traps have been carried up to
the room next mine, but Wilson shall
move them"
When Lady Harcourt was asked, she
COlSCulttl, DuO L IOllCtNl bndL
ehe seemed absentminded all that even
ing, and feared that hRd stirred up un-
pleasant memories.
When the room was shown me, | could
hardly suppress an exclamation of surprise
and delight
"You admire it, / see," said Stanly.
"Nearly everybody does"
"Admirep' l answered. "Admire is a
poor word. 1t is superb"
The walls were hung with Gobelin blue
tapestry. The woodwork was ivory white,
and the ceiling was beautifully carved in
arabesques of gold. Above the hangings,
in the wide, curved frieze, were medallion
portraits of the court of Louis XIV.
The furniture was very beautiful and
In perfect harmony with the decorations.
There were luxurious divans, such as
Nine. de Maintenon might have reclined
upon, exquisite tables of inlaid wood and
dainty chairs of blue and gold.
One article, writing table, heavily in
laid, was apparently all ready for use,
with bewitching array of materials
trays and candlesticks of Dresden china,
wax of palest colors and little pile OF
JaperS.
The bed was massive structure, with
a canopy of old blue brocade
"And you would never have shown me
this, If l had not insisted ON taking pos
session."
""We often show the room, but it is sell
dom occupied-I might say, never"
"But it is In such perfect conditionp
Stanly smiled little sadly. "My moth
er's ordersl"
"This room has history, / know.
How came 1t to be furnished so beautifully
and in such a different way from tho rest
of the housep On the whole, think !
prefer the old oak and rugs, but for one
room it is superb" and i found myself re-
peating the only adjective that seemed fit
ting.
eyes, it has history. My fathers
brother had it fitted up for his bride. II
was the reigning fashion then--early in
the efties. He died shortly after his mar
riage, and the room has never been occu
pied, save once or twice, but it is long