r own could thus resemble her!"

"In my innermost heart there has ever dwelt a mystery, which I can find
no language to describe! In my dreams I have had sweet visions of a
beauteous being, who has smiled upon me, and made me happy. The Madonna
awakens all those pure feelings, and I cannot but look upon her as in
some way connected with my being; yet my own mother lives, and my
affection for her is as for no other being upon the earth."

"_She_ is in heaven," mused the artist.

At this moment the door opened, and who should enter but Clarence
Delwood, who was much surprised to find Natalie thus unattended, in
earnest conversation with the mysterious artist. She arose as he
entered, and presented him to the gentleman, but she had not yet
learned his name. The artist presented his card to Delwood, assuming the
same frigid manner which had become his nature. Delwood gave one glance
at the Madonna.

"How is this, sir," asked he, in an excited manner, "that you have made
use of this lady's face to attract the notice of a vulgar public to your
works? Who gave you authority for such assurance as this, sir?"

"Calm yourself, Clarence," said the Sea-flower, mildly, "the gentleman
had never seen me, to his knowledge, until this morning. It rather
becomes us to apologize for this intrusion upon the sacred memory of
his child."

Mr. Delwood listened with astonishment to the information which we have
just learned, and his eyes wandered from the beautiful Madonna to the no
less beautiful being, whom he hoped, at no distant day, to call his own,
while a thought filled his soul with delight, and he said to
himself,--"I knew that she was infinitely above me, though outward
circumstances would make her of no particular distinction."

"Yes, there is a meaning in this, a mystery to be solved. Who is
she?--this pure being. And your mother still lives," mused the artist;
"do you resemble her?"

"I am unlike any one of my family, so much so that strangers have noted
it."

"And your father?"

"Is in heaven."

"Truly," mused the gentleman, "and your sainted mother likewise."

"Permit me to ask your address, gentle lady," said the artist, as his
visitors prepared to retire.

"And in return you will allow me to come every day, and look upon this
dear face?"

"You are the only person whom I have bade a welcome to my presence for
years;" and bidding them a "good morning," the artist retired to brood
over other than his sorrows.