Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1896-11-05

to the north. His health, he felt, was
fully restored. Meanwhile, however,
he had not been idle. He had written
innumerable newspaper articles, done
all sorts Of artistic hack-work and had
secretly sent to the Interstate Ex-
hibit" what he considered the 'pictureI
Of his life" It was called "The Happy
American Peasant" 1t represented
twilight scene in the famous Piedmont
district" Of North Carolina. The sun
had set behind the hills, the skies
were purple and gold and the very hills
themselves were shadow outlines OF
dusk and gold. A little white town lay
dreaming among the hills and at their
feet ran a shallow stream, beyond
which, on either side of broad road
that sloped away and vanished to the,
southwark were visible here and there
distant farm houses. Down the road a
team Of oxen wandered slowly "at their
own sweet will" and upon the dilapi-
dated cart which they drew a lazy,
happy-go-lucky negro sat singing and
playing the banjo to his hearts con-
tent. There was not light to be seen
In the picture. Neither sun, moon nor
stars were shown, but, despite the gem
eral duskiness Of the scene everything
was distinctly shown and every feature
Of the Negroes face could be plainly
seen. When the Interstate Exhibit"
critics examined Ashley's masterful
picture they awarded him the first
prize-$5, 0O0-and one Of the commit
teemen made him a handsome offer for
something from his brush. All this
Jack told his friend Moorland, but de-
manded that he keep strict silence In
the matter.
Three days before his contemplated
return to the north Ashley visited
Miss Holley. He found her entertain
ing and modest and perfectly natural
in her manner.
Ashley was interested. He suddenly
discovered that Miss Holley was an ex-
ceedingly handsome and cultured young
woman. He had not appreciated her
beauty and yet it was so strangely fas-
cinating. He had never before seen q
face so dainty and sweet and yet so
expressive of noble character. He
doubted II he would ever again find
another face like it. OF course this
enthusiasm was purely from the art
lists standpoint, as Ashley assured him
self. Business was business. He would
postpone his northern trip and call on
the morrow, show her some Of his pic
lures and persuade her, IL possible, to
sit for her portrait for him. Moorland
had been right about her being good
subject.
Jack told Moorland Of his Change Of
mind" The latter laughed and ex-
claimed: 81 should call 1t change OF
heart"
Ashley called upon Miss HoNey the
next day, secured her consent to his
plan, and the portrait was begun.
For two weeks Jack worked indus
triously, with voice and smile as we'll
as with brush. He fancied he was max
ing admirable progress with the por-
trait and told Moorland so. Ned
laughed and remarked that the new
cottage on the hillside was nearly
completed. Jack gave his friend a re-
proachful look, but he was helpless.
Meanwhile his prize money had ar
rived from the north and with 1t a let
ter summoning him to Philadelphia on
important business. Jack saw that he
must work hard or his picture could
not be finished.
II shall miss you so much, Mr.. Ash
ley" said Alice when Jack informed
her that he was soon to return to his
northern home; "but your southern
friends are proud of your success and
--then--one must attend to business"
She looked beautiful as she stood
bidding him good-by in the little vine-
clad doorway, the tempting lips, the
eyes so deep with love, her dainty pose
all held him in their magic power.
Jack trembled with emotion. Must he
speak? His heart decided for him and
like an honest man he told her that he
loved her-could not live without her
and found her tender heart too kind
for homicide.
Their wedding tour extended to
Philadelphia.
81 will finish my picture when we re-
turn" said Jack to Moorland, as hG
and his pretty bride boarded the north
bound train.
"And hang II in the little cottage"
said Moorland, with laugh.