Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1897-07-29

quietly entered.
Johnnie Sutherland's at the door
Will you see him?"
Marjorie started, for she had an in.
stinctive dread of meeting between
the two young men; but the minister
at once replied:
SHOW him in, Solomon" and as the
sexton disappeared, he said to his guest
"A young friend of ours, and a school
fellow of my foster-daughter."
The next moment Sutherland APP
peared. A look of surprise passed over
his face as he saw the stranger, who
rose politely, but, recovering himself,
he shook the minister warmly by the
hand.
Welcome, Johnnie" said Mr. Lor-
'raine. Take seat. Do You know
Monsieur Caussldiere? Then let me
introduce you"
Sutherland nodded to the French
man, who bowed courteously. Their
eyes met, and then both looked at Mar
jorie.
Monsieur Caussidiere is my French
teacher" she said smiling.
Sutherland looked somewhat puzzled,
and sat down in silence. After an awk-
ward pause, the minister began ques-
tioning him on his London expert
ences; he replied almost in monosyl-
tables, and was altogether so bashful
and constrained that Marjorie could
not avoid drawing an unfavorable COM
parison in her own mind between him
and the fluent Frenchman
"An artist, monsieur" said the lat
ter, presently, having gathered the fact
from some of Mr., Lorraines questions.
II used to paint, when l was boy,
but, finding l could not excel, aband-
oned the attempt. To succeed in your
profession is the labor Of life, and,
alas! so many fail"
That's true enough" returned Suth-
erland, "and when 1 see the great pic
lures, l despair"
HE paints beautifully, monsieur"
cried Marjorie, eager to praise her
friend. Does he not, Mr.. Lorraine?"
The minister nodded beniguly.
"Ah, indeed" said Caussidiere, with
slight yawn. "The landscape, mon
sieur, or the human figure?"
81 have tried BOTH" replied Suther-
land. 81 think 1 like figure painting
best"
Then you shall not so far to ind a
subject" exclaimed Caussidiere, wav-
ing his hand toward Marjorie. "Ah, if
I were an artist, l would like to paint
mademoiselle. 1 have seen such face,
such eyes, and hair, in some of the Ma
donnas of the great Raphael"
Marjorie cast down her eyes, then
raised them again, laughing.
He has painted me, and more than
once; but I'm thinking he flattered the
sitter. Miss Hetherington has one Of
the pictures up at the Castle"
Caussidiere fixed his eyes suspicious
ly upon Sutherland.
do you work for pleasure, mon
sieur, or for profit? Perhaps you are
a man of fortune, and paint for amuse-
nent only?"
The question tickled the minister,
who laughed merrily.
II am only poor man." answered
Sutherland, land paint for my bread"
ut is an honorable occupation" said
Caussidiere, emphatically, though not
without the suspicion Of a covert sheer.
"At one time the artist was neglected
and despised; now he Is honored for
his occupation, and can make much
money"
The conversation continued by fits
and starts, but Sutherland's appearance
seemed to have quite destroyed the gay
freedom of the little party. At last
Solomon reappeared and grimly an
nounced that it was nine o'clock.
I'VE keep early hours" explained
Mr.. Lorraine, land are Ill abed at ten
o'clock"
Then will go" cried Caussidiere.
rising, "but shall call again. 1t is not
often in Scotland, one finds such pleas
ant company"
Caussidiere shook the minister's
hand cordially, and favored Marjorie
with warm and lingering pressure,
which left her more disturbed than
ever. Then the two men walked out of
the house together.
Caussidiere and Sutherland walked
up the village side by side in the light
Of the moon, which was then at the
full.
'You are native of this place. mou-
siaur?" said the Frenchman. afte. a
long silence.
Eyes" was the quiet reply.
"a charming place! and the people
still more charming! You have known
our old friend a long, long timo?"
Ever since 1 can mind"
"And his daughter-his fostcr-daugb-
ter, should say? 1 have heard her
story; it is romantic, monsieur; 1t
touches my heart. Do you think her
pre,ty?"
Sutherland started at the question.
which was made with apparent nom
chalance, but in reality with eager sus-
picion. He was silent. and the other
continued:
"She is not like one Of common birth;
she has the grace of a lady. l was