Fort Worth gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1891-1898, 1894-12-16

than rival the mighty master, Claude Lor-
raine-one more trial; such scene must
inspire the bumbest artist"
He rearranged a small easel as he spoke,
and proceeded to cover his palette with the
choicest and most exquisite colors. But
the glories OF outre mer and car1nine
seemed so pale and faded before the in
expressible radiance of earth and ether,
that long before he had finished laying
on the dead colorlng OF his picture he
threw It aside in despair.
II must complete It," he said. ''at some
other time when the majesty OF nature may
not mock my humble oiiorts,'
lie arose, and, re-packlng his paint-box,
deposited It safely among the messy rocks.
and sauntered slowly onward. to enjoy
at least. II he could not initiate, tho en-
chantmCnts Of nature. And truly he might
well give up his heart TO the passionate
love Of beauty which pervaded It; for the
lovcllness OF that quiet valley was well
calculated TO crafty the intense desires
OF mind thlrsting for images OF perfec-
ton. Not only did the mountain tops and
mist CLEAN with the golden sunlight, but
every flower at his feet. every blade Of
grass displayed each It's wealth Of gem
like dew glittering with unrlvalled oolors.
The plumed inreets swift aud free.
Like golden boats on u sunny sea.
filled the scented air. and shed "ihelr music
OF many murmurlngs" upon his path; and
he was inclined to fancy that no new fea-
ture could add beauty to the landscape
around. when sudden turn In the winding
path convinced him Of bis error.
Ho had turned his back on the seml-cir-
cular range OF hills, and emerged into a
tract OF country much more extensive
though stu very broken. Huge masses OF
rock salt. covered with crystals, whose prls-
matte forms lent them a startling brllliancy.
CLEANED upon his sight, and the green sweep
OF land between was diversified by many
small cottages builf Of the gray rock which
abounded throughout the country. The mar
row path bordercA with vines and wild roses
lured him on, until the sweet accents OF
a female voice broke upon his ear, and he
found that his path would lead him 10
trespass upon the Enclosure Of a cottage
which appeared to be one OF the neatest and
best arranged among them.
The painter paused, and his eve Chat
morning destined to agreeable surprlsesl
readily discovered A group about the door.
which Immediately called out his pencil and
pocket portfolio, A very brght-eyed child
had thrown his chubby little arms arounh
his fathers neck and seemed resolved upon
obtaining him from lss days labor: while
tho young Wife, with Dyes aud lips scarcely
less bright than those OF the child. yainly
endeaVorcd to attract the infant with tho
most enuelng toys. Al length the father
succeeded In unelssping the dimpled hands
aud placing the baby on the floor: hui the
child still endeavored 20. detain him BY hold
ing tho skirts OF his coal.
'Phlllp seems determined that YOU SHAH
not so to-day" said the young woman
perehaps there is a meaning In his warn
ing"
"It l listened to all your signs and warn
lngs l should very seldom leave YOU i" re-
piled the husband. II must 20, and mai
quickly, in spite OF my perseyerlng little
pet"
But you will come back very soon?'
II eanno, even promise that" replled
the miner; for tho husband was a laborar
In the extensive salt mines, whose crystalll-
cations produce SO beautiful an effect In Inc
distance, I'VE have tremendous pieee ~
work before US to-day, and there Is no telling
when It viii be finished"
Would to God It were safely over"
"Don't look so pale and frightened. Mary;
worse Jobs are done every day--but they
will call re sluggsrd II loier here-so
good by good by. darlings."
Heaven preserve you" responded tha
wife; and she turned with feelings half al
dread aud half OF hope TO the cottage door.
Just Such mornink. muuered an old
woman. who "a, crouching IN tho chimney
corner-''iust such morning, bright as this
and a black night followed tho bright day
Ia black. black night"
Now the sslnis save u.s." exclaimed TIM
young woman; whoever heard Dame iir.
sulR talking away at such rate heforeP AZ
sure as fate something unusual will happsn,
What Is IL you were saying. grand,da,ne' Z
she added In a louder tone. approaching h.
thin, withered Old bag who had erept aiswiy
toward the doorstep, and seating herself
there commenced TO humble ard mute,
half indisuncl words,
storm follows the sunshine storms ana
tempest and thick darkness"
The anxious wife followed snd sat down
beside h-<------- Z
''is there any evil hanging over usi For
mercy sake tell me II ycu know" she asked.
"Eyli. did say EVIL, 1 spoke OF the past,