The Forrest City times., 1909-11-12

that sloped away and vanished to the southward were visible. here and there, distant farm houses. Down the road team of oxen wandered slowly, and on the dilapidated wagon which they drew, lazy, happy. .go-lucky negro sat singing. There was not a light 10 be seen in the picture but despite the general duskiness Of the scene. every thing was distinctly shown and every feature of the darky's jolly face was pereeptible
 When the members of the examin- Ing committee passed upon the picture they awarded Langford the much GOV. eted 5000 prize. and one of the crit les made him a handsome offer for something more from his brush. All this Norman told his friend Stanway, but demanded that he keep strict si- ience in the matter. Three days be- fore his intended return to the north. Langford visited Miss Manton. If the girl had appeared beautiful in his eyes before, she seemed now to be doubly fascinating He had never be- lore seen face so dainty and sweet, and yet so expressive of noble woman hood. He doubted if he should ever see another like her. Of course this enthusiasm was purely from an art ist's standpoint. he assured himself Business was business. He deter mined to postpone his northern trip, and call on the morrow, show her some of his pictures. and persuade her if possible. to sit for her portrait to him. Stanway had been right when he said she was a good sub ject"
 Norman told Stanway of his change of mind, and was not exactly pleased when his jocund friend insisted that 1t was "a change of heart" that he was suffering from. However. he called upon Miss Manton next day. | secured her consent to his plan. and the portrait was begun For two weeks Norman worked industriously l with voice and smile, as well as brush He informed Stanway that he was making admirable progress with the l portrait whereupon his friend re- marked that the new cottage on the hill was also nearing completion. And he was obliged to admit to himself that the original of the shy. pretty face that locked upon him with wist- ful eyes from the canvas was becom- ing very dear to him During their short period of intimacy he and the 1 girl had been drawn very closely to- gether by invisible bonds.
 
 l The thought of parting from her stung him with exquisite pain; he was facing a crisis that filled him with fear and trembling. Meanwhile check for his prize money arrived, and with it letter summoning him to Boston on important business. He realized that he must work hard if the picture was to be finished At last the day arrived when he put the fin ishing touches to the portrait, and 1 Dora's wide, wistful eyes smiled grave ly upon him from the easel. The girl herself stood beside him, and together they regarded the canvas attentively Norman drew deep breath and turned to his companion
 We'll he queried, what do you i tHtlIh Ol IL
 It's just splendid" said sweet, low voice, and xQ sure your north. ern friends cannot be prouder of you than your southern ones"
 There was a faint undercurrent of sadness in her accents and Norman's heart beat furiously
 Tell me- he burst out, impulsive. ly, are you really sorry l am going Dora ?'
 It was the first time that he had ventured to address her by her first name, and she did not answer. but stood before him with heaying breast and dropping head. He caught her hands in his and spoke in hurried whisper.
 You are hot angry Dora Q"
 Her dark eyes shone upon him with world of love and tenderness in their depths
 No, Norman, she said, shyly-"I- am not angry"
 Lansfaed drew the slender. unre sisting figure To him and kissed her with tender reverence.
 have won the greatest prize | ever worked for dear be said. and they stood for several moments with. out speaking. aUed by the silent jav of their new round happiness. while the paffle shadows Of the eeeafnr erept slowly into the studio.
 Waste of Oak Trees.