The Bryan daily eagle. (Bryan, Tex.) 1895-1898, 1896-11-08

drc. nirg emc1z re hlils 1-4 g i...-.-
feet ran q shallow siream. beyond
which. on either side Of a bread road
that siopod away and vanished 20 ne
southwark were visible here and there
distant farm houses. Down the road
team Of oxen wandered slowly at their
own sweet viii and upon the dllapl-
dated cart which they drew q lazy.
happy-so lucky negro sat singing and
playing the banjo 10 his hearts con-
tent. There was not a light to Be seen
IN the picture. Neither sun. moon nor
stars were shown. bat. despite the gen
eral duskiness Of the scene everything
was distinctly shown and ever feature
Of the negro's face could be plainly
seen. When the Interstate Exhibilr
critics examined Ashley's masierfuI
picture they awarded him the nrst
prize-s5 .00o-and one Of the commit
teemen made him handsome o4eg for
something from his brush. All this
Jack told his friend Moorland. but de-
manded that be keep strict silence In
the matter.
Three days before his contemplated
return TO the north Ashley visited
Miss Holloy. He found her entertain
ing and modest and perfectly natura
In her manner.
Ashley was Interested. He suddenly
discovered that Miss Holiey was an ox-
ceedingly handzomo and cultured young
woman. He had not appreciated her
beauty and yet It was 30 strangely fas-
clnating. He had never before seen q
face 20 dainty and aweet and yet 20
expressive Of noble character. He
doubted II he would ever again find
another face Ike Il. OF course this
enthusiasm was purely from the art
lists standpoint. as Ashley assured him
self Business was business. He would
postpone bis northern trip and cali on
the morrow. show her some OF his pic
tures and persuade her. II possible. TO
slt for her portrait for him. Moorland
had been right about herbeing a good
subject.
Jack told Moorland Of his change Of
mind" The latter laughed and e.
claimed; Il should call Il a change Of
heart"
Ashley called upon Miss Hollsy 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 wen
as with brush. lie fancied he vas ~ =
Ing admirable progress with the por-
trait and told Moorland 20. Ned
laughed and remarked that the new
cottage on the hillside was nearly
completed. Jack gave his friend a re-
proachful look. but be was helpless.
Meanwhile his prize money had ar
: rived from the north and with Il a let
ter summoning him to Philadelphia on
important business. Jack saw that he
must work hard or his picture could
not be finished.
} Il shall miss you no much. Mr. Ash
; ley" said Alice when Jack informed
. her that he vas soon TO return % hia
} northern home: "but your southern
p friends are proud Of your success and
, -then-one must attend 20 business p
E She looked beautiful as she stood
E bidding him g0od-hy IN the little vine
= clad doorway. the tempting lips. he
+ eyes 50 deep with love. her dainty pore
3 all held him In their magic power.
b Jack trembled with emotion. AUST he
+ speak? His heart decided for him and
. like an honest man ne told her that he
= loved heF-could not live without ner-
e and found her tender heart too kind
8 for homicide.
o Their wedding tour extended q
y Philadelphia.
Il will finish my picture when We TO
r turn" said Jack 20 Mooriand. az he
q and his pretty bride boarded the norta.
= bound train.
And hang Il IN the little cottage.
y said Moorland. With a laugh.