Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-12-02
NO. 2S4.
Gales ano Skettbes.
MISS SrOrrORD'S SPECIALITY.


circle. without being herself either artis-
tic or literary. Her father was y painter
of eminence. her brother poet, willie her
sister composed music.
So far. Agatha had been without a spec
ialty. She was not fool. She could tell
a good picture from bad one. Given a
clue. she could discover beauties In a
poem; but she had no scrap of original
genius.
She was certainly nice looking, with n
good. shspely figure. fresh complexion.
clear blue eyes and bright golden hair.
But the men who frequented Mr., Stot-
iord's studio, wanted something more
than prcttincss to atone for the lack of in
intellectual power,
She finally formed resolve to produce
an effect Of her own.or die in the ATTEMPT.
After much thought she determined 10 be
''noble.H
She would do some grand thing-not,
be II understood, for nobility's sake. but
tor the sheer longing to produce an effect.
Some large. picturesque crime would
probably have suited her quite as we'll; :;
| but since she had not the courage for vice
she resolved upon virtue-or rather, |
should say, upon nobility. for the small
sweet trifies OF selfsacrifice aud devotion
that belong TO every day carry with them
no special distinction.
Now. let it be known that the habitues
of Mr.. Stotiord's studio. was George Sim
gleton. young hump-backed art student.
He worked terribly hard. so his most init
mate friends said.to preserve the life about
which he cared SO little. since he felt with
morbid bitterness. his physical deiorm-
| ity.
Hitherto, Agatha had scarcely ever
thought of wasting words upon him, but
now there came TO her grand resolve.
She would make Singleton fall in love
with her and she would marry him. Her
father had kind heart. and was not very
| worldly she made sure, therefore, that his
consent could be gained.
People should see what a power of no.
BILE devotion she had, il she had nothing
else. Already she seemed to hear a
chorus of wonder and admiration then
would come remonstrances, which she
pictured herself as smiling down Yes,
all the circle which had taken so little ac-
count of her should admire her noble
self-sacrifice and see in her heroine.
The thought first came to her as she
was lying awake one night. and when she
appeared at breakfast next morning.
there was a warmer glow on her cheek
and brighter light in her eyes than her
family had beheld in them before.
Were this anything more than short
study | could dwell ut length and with
some pleasure in their skillfulncss, upon
the various wiles with which Singleton
was beguiled-the sighs. the little bursts
of enthusiasm, looks full of subtle sympa-
thy. tones as subtle as looks low UNDER
tones meant to reach his ear only In
deed. she gave herself much more trouble
than was necessary. for Singleton was very
easily conquered But. as we all know.
it is one thing to get the horse to the well
and another to make him drink so IL was
one thing TO get Singleton in love and an
other TO draw from him any declaration OF
his passion.
Surely" thought Agatha. recalling his
looks of alteration and the eager way he
listened when she spoke, as IL fearful OF
losing single intonation of her voice
surely he must love me-"
One twilight they were sitting together
by the open French window.
'How sweet it was Of you,n said Sin
gleton, "to come and see me in my den
to-day
ut was pleasure and privilege"
you've made me in love with the
ROOM" he went on, land used to hate
it so''
Then wish had come before"
81 wish you had. Do you know how
you have blessed my life ?''
should like to do so much
more" she said. with that simple, direct
earnestness which Singleton always found
so irresistibly captivating. Then. quite
involuntarily, rs it were her hand rested
on his. OF course she would have drawn
it away in moment. but he pressed II be-
tween both of his and held 1t
George she said. speaking in her
lowest, and most earnest tones, "will Won
tell me something ?''
Whatever you may choose 10 ask
'tThe whole truth p''
THE most absolute truth ?''
Then want to know just how much
you care about me-
| His heart beat violently. There were
sparks of fire in his eyes. 1t would be a
consolation to tell her just once how he
loved her: vet he felt that she must be
grieved by his disclosure. He was silent.
Outside. one bird twittered persistently
/ ttd-t "ob 4 NoN tNii uuE wv Eui
low voice entrcated.
Still no answer.
at is that you are afraid to tell me how
little you care for me, lest should he
gricved.'
my God. Agatha he cried, kneeliDg
down beside her and kissing her hands
and the rings on her fingers with passion
ate alteration, II love you as the martyrs
of old loved religion, when they went
singing to their deaths. could die for
you, like that. love you with all the
strength of heart that has never known
love before. II had been like other
men would never have rested till / had
won you. But, Agatha, my darling. my
saint, since ! can never be more to you
than friend. I will be that To do you
service shall be the one purpose OF my
life. know you did not mean to make
me love you. but it was my DOOM
He had spoken in a headlong impulse
of passion. He paused now and there
was moments silence. through which
presently, her clear voice fell.
"Why, how mistaken you would have
been not to tell me-, she said. II had a
right to know, for love you.''
"Yes, as my friend.''
mo, not in that way. but as " omal
TContinued on fourth paRe1