The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1896-12-04
CHAPTER I.


Even in fine weather, when the sun is
bright and the air agreeable, visitors to
the Metropolitan Museum of Art are
seldom sufficiently numerous to throng
its spacious galleries. And upon bleak
autumn days, when the sun may be a
big disk of lead, for all anybody can see
to the contrary, and the dank, chill air
seems to have strayed out Of vault,
visitors are likely to be so few that lone
someness oppresses them and they evinca
q general tendency to huddle together
in the most public halls. Upon such a
dreary day it was that fate commenced
casting from her box the dice Of events
which grouped themselves toget,1er in
the chain about to be narrated. The
closing hour was near Depressed sight
seers, singly, by pairs and in trios,
moved slowly from all directions to-
ward the hall of exit. Drowsy Goorkeep-
ers and listless attendants yawned and
looked impatiently at the lacyard clock
Only one couple, youDr; man and a
girl, still sitting in the rer rlotest corner
Of the old western gallery, took no heed
Of the general movement. Why should
they2 They were alone. That was
enough consciousness of the surround
ing world for the present. They had
placed themselves before Hellquist's
powerful picture of one of the most
dramatic and tragic episodes in Swedish
history, and to the casual observer
might have seemed fascinated by con-
temptation of its cruel strength, but we,
being privileged to know the facts, un-
derstand that the picture might as well
cared just then.
The mans hat was off, disclosing
fully the contour of a round, massive
head, well covered with wavy dark
brown hair. His features, though with
out perfect regularity, were still more
than "good looking" Frank sincerity
and earnestness shone in his big, clear
brown eyes; energy and determination
were indicated by his broad, square low
er jaw, and the hardness that those
qualities might otherwise have impart-
ed to his countenance was happily tenn
pered by liberal admixture Of kindli-
ness and good humor that found express
sion in his handsome mouth and the
lines about it. A physiognomist would
have thought at sight of him, "There is
one who will make his way in the
world and deserves to do so.
And as pretty companion piece to
that living statue Of vigorous manhood
as could have been desired was the one
Of exquisite femininity by his side. She
wore round sealskin cap that harmo-
nized well with the silky floss Of light
brown curls straying from beneath its
edges, and in its conformity to the round
shapeliness Of her head was as pleasing
in form as in tint. That little cap, too,
seemed to emphasize piquant express
sion Of independent self reliance in her
delicately chiseled and purely American
features. But for the broad intelligent
brow that gave balance Of dignity to
her face the arch smile upon her small
red lips and the sparkle Of her bright
blue eyes might have been characterized
as "saucy." 1t was not, however, nec-
essary to study long that animated, mo-
bile countenance to realize that it was
the index of mind and heart capable
Of serious thought and deep, tender feel
ing. A dark fur boa was wound around
her neck, with its ends carelessly
thrown back upon the shoulders Of the
brown, closely fitting newmarket, {"
which seemed to not simply reveal but
accentuate the beautiful lines Of her
plump but graceful figure.
The peculiar merit Of the seat upon
which the couple had located them
selves, that which had Influenced them
to its selection, was simply the accident
that nobody happened to be anywhere
near it when they entered the gallery,
and fortune had so far favored them
that in all the hour they had faced
Hellquest's work-without seeing it
their delightful isolation had not been
violated Indeed for half an hour past
there had been nobody but themselves
in that gallery. Still they conversed in
low tones, scarcely louder than whis-
pers, just as if sweet words were ten
derer when uttered in suppressed
voice or as if they were jealous of pos
sible echoes sharing their secrets.
The girl was first to notice that the
place was being deserted and to realize
the flight Of time.
1--WE shall soon have to be going"
sho said in tone Of regret.
Her companion looked around, but
could see nothing to encourage him in
denial of the unwelcome truth.
I'VE have had such very short time
together" he protested complainingly.
"It seems as if / never do get a chance