The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-04-11

chalk on the stones. His gaze dark . ened and his face radiated at the even ing glow of sunset or the rose-swept lawns. Often strange, nameless pain and joy mingled so hotly in his breast that he cried on Patrasche's wrinkled head =.
 He did not know it but the same leaven was working in him that in oth- CT times had brought forth Rubens and Jordaens- and the Van Dycks and the rest of the wondrous tribe. He, whia- pered to Patrasche of his vague, form less Ionglngs and dreamsE and Patras- che looked at him fondfy and atten- lively. as if he understand. Perhaps he did, Who knows.
 There was only one other to whom NeIlo could speak of his fantasies. This was little Alois. the pretty, rosy baby daughter of Baas Colgez, the miller, who was the most prosperous man in the village.
 Little Alois was indeed the richest child for miles around. She had neith- CT bfother nor sister. At Kermesse she had as many gilded nuts and Agni Dei in sugar as her hands could hold. When she went up for her first com- munion her fiaxen curls were covered with cap of richest Mechlin lace.
 Notwithstanding her wealth. Nello and Alois and Patrasche were together, most of the time. playing in the fields. gathering flowers or sitting by the broad wood fire of the mill house. The miller was good man. though some what stern, and he liked the fair >haired, gentle boy.
 But when Alois was 12 years old and Nello was 15, the miller began to think And one day he came upon his pretty daughter sitting amidst the hay with the tawny head of Patrasche on her lap, while Nello. sitting opposite, drew their picture on a clean, smooth slah of pine wood with a piece of charcoal.
 The miller looked at the portrait with tears in his dyes. It was wonder fully like her, and he loved her dearly, Then he spoke roughly. chiding her for idling there, and snatched the wood from Nello's hands.
 "Dost do much of such folly?" asked he-
 Nello hung his head. q draw every thing l see" nurmured he.
 The miller was silent. Then he stretched forth his hand with franc in it. Tt Is folly" said he. and evil waste of time. Neverthele 1t Is like Alois and will please the mother. Take this silver bit for it and leave 1t to me-"
 Nelio lifted his head and put his hands behihd his back. keep your nfoney and the picture both. Baas Col gez," said he. simply. You have been
 He called Patrasche and walked away across the fields.
 q could have seen them with that franc" he murmured to Patrasche. but could not sell her picture-not even for them.
 Baas Colgez weht home troubled in mind. The lad must not be with AloiS eat I,. H. Ao
 'He Is a good lad and loyal" said she, looking at the piece of pine woUd where 1t was throned above the chim. ney with her prized treasures, a cuckoo clock and a Calvary in wax. "Aloll will have enough for both. and ono cannot be better than happy"
 You are & woman, and therefore s fool" said the miller. striking his pipe on the table. The lad is naught but . beggar. and with these painters fan. cies, worse than beggar. Have 6 care they, are not together in the fu- ture. or I will send the child to the l surer-keeping of the nuns"
 So the old red mill ceased to be a landmark to Nelio, and he did not sec the fiaxen head waiting for him. nor did Patrasche find a crust or a bone held outSby little. kind hands. The dog looked humblye and ionglngly al the closed door. The boy went by with. out pausing. with a hot pain in his heart. The girl sat- within and tears dropped on her knitting.
 Baas Colgez hardened his heart and said to himself: Tt is best so / Who knows what mischief might not come of 1t in the future?" So he would not have the old. hospitable door unbarred for Neno except on formal occasions which had neither warmth nor mlrth in them to the two young creatures who had been accustomed so long to a daily. gleeful, happy interchange of thoughts and speech.
 But the little panel of wood remained ip the place of honor above the chim- ney piece: and sometimes it seemed a little hard to Nello that while his gift was accepted, he was denied.
 He did not complain. 1t was his