Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1904-02-04
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nONALD GRosvENoR paused on
the hillside with his easel under
his arm, and stood surveying his sur
roundings with a critical eye. Before
him lay the picturesque valley with its
neat cottages and patches of deep, dark
woods. But the object on which he
fixed his attention was a euriously
shaped rock in the center of a field,
against background of delicately tint
ed sky. II was shaped like the ruins of
an old castle and was of gigantic pro-
portions.
Il must paint that when it is bathed
with the hues of a glorious sunset,
unused Donald.
After admiring the scenery before
him for few moments he turned and
slowly resumed his climb. On reach
ing the brow Of the hill he came TO
sudden halt, and an exclamation Of sur
prise rose 70 his lips. for before him
sat young girl in front Of an easel.
She did not appear TO notice his APP
proach, and he stood regarding her
closely for a moment. Then he stepped
trife nearer to her and paused again,
! thinking to attract her attention.
Il beg your pardon" he said at last.
lifting his hat Il had no idea I should
fnd anyone here"
He waited for an answer, but she did
not speak OF look up He moved still
nearer, and his shadow fell athwart her
canvas. She raised her head in startled
surprise.
He spoke again. apologetically, Of
fering to retire II his presence would
annoy her But she only gazed at him
blankly. and pointed to her lips and
ears. shaking her head grayely.
Then II dawned on him suddenly that
he had been talking to deaf mute. He
gazed at her as II he doubted the pos
sibillty OF one so lovely being the vic
tim OF such a grave misfortune.
Her head was bent over her work
again, and, feeling himself dismissed,
he turned aside and placed his easel a
few PAGES away. preparatory to COM
mencing work.
IL must paint that face" he muir
INJURED, IF she comes again.
And she did come again. Each sue
ceeding day found her at her easel,
and she was always there before him.
But all things must have an end. and
at last his work was finished. He sat
before his easel on the last day of his
stay, absorbed in thought. when he was
startled by a low whistle at his side.
He looked up and beheld an old ohum.
Avery Lynn, regarding him.amusedly.
''You?" he calculated in amazement
What charming company" said the
other, in low tone; who is she?'
Il don't know. How came you here,
Avery?"
Never mind that now. Don. Intro
duce me"
Il don't know who she is. tell you"
reiterated Donald only she is deaf
mute"
by Georgel What a misfortune
She's lovely as a dream. You're hard
hit, Don. l suppose?"
Il would give half my life If she
were like other girls.
81 know the deaf and dumb alpha
bet" Avery said. suggestively.
Find out who she is and where she
lives" said Don. eagerly.
Was it fancy or the glow of the sun
set or did flush creep slowly into the
face of the girl whom they discussed?
Her name is Elda Leigh" sait Avery
AZ last. "and like yourself she is only a
soiourner here. ! can learn no more
than that"
"That will be sufficient, cried Donald.
Again that deep flush swept over the
lace of the girl. but neither saw it.
81 must go now, DON. said Avery,
consulting his watch. My friends are
waiting by this time You see we were
hunting and climbed the hill to get a
better view Of the valley Good-by. .
And Avery waved his hand and hurried
away.
But his coming had served to bring
; matters TO a crisis between these two
who had known silent companionship
for three long weeks Elda Leigh
tWAfCnR0 ANGTl uutAi nN was %CHN -
Then she arose and turned toward Don
aid. 1t seemed to him she was about tc
speak. and he was hardly surprised
when she addressed him.
81 must beg your pardon she said
''for the deception have practiced upor
you.
. You understand" she continued
/. that | did not foresee should becom'
an eavesdropper I saw you corning VI
the hill that first day. and not wishing e
retire or be disturbed, acted on the i'm
pulse of the moment. and"
= May ask. Miss Leigh, he said, "wh!
Nou should undeceive me on this, GU
last day together!"
q thought 1t just possible that W
night meet again. some day, and tnel
you would learn the truth, and pernap