Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1883-11-15

Harvey, but some one coming ia Just
then diverted attention from the subject,
and the hostess did not reply.
The new picture was the center OF at
traction in the hall next morning, and
Mrs. Harvey had plenty to say.
'.You know, of course, he Is an In
innate friend of Mrs. Wells" she run
on. she sent his picture not long
ago, but she can't find it anywhere.
The last she remembers of it was of
Agnes Fisher looking at it as it sat on
the easel on the center table In her
drawing-room. Agnes was greatly taken
up with it. Just like her, you know,
and she was determined to carry it
away with her. It is too bad, so many
of his old friends would like to see if
now that this painting is calling atten-
ton to him as an artist. !"
From lip to lip went the story all the
way around the tastefully decorated
hall, and when, early in the afternoon,
Mrs. Wells came in, a bevy OF ladies
surrounded her at once with words of
coincidence.
''That dreadful Agnes Fisher! A
church member, too! The idea of her
stealing an oil painting, framed on an
easel, and all from your drawing-rOom.
What treasure it would be for us here!
A gift to you! Painted on purpose for
you, his childhood friend! How you
mast feel! Why don't you send an Off
Ger to search her roomP Have you sent
word to the preceptress? There she
comes now with party from the semi
nary Her head is as high as ever. l
shan't speak to her, for one. ('Nor l.
Nor T. I hope some one will be de-
tailed to watch her. There is no telling
what she may carry away"
''What are you talking abOutP am
altogether bewildered,' exclaimed Mrs.
Wells, sinking into q chair and putting
up her hands as if to defend herself I
can't get at your meaning at all. I have
never seen any of Paul Jenkins work,
and am anxious to look at the landscape
he has so kindly sent, - and the old lady
adjusted her glasses. ''Ohr" she said,
shopping bag, ''here is his photograph,
was sure you would all like to see it.
How do you do, Mrs. Harvey" as that
lady drew near. 81 found my young
friends likeness after youleft last night,
and here 1t is. 1t had slipped out of
sight in basket of engraYings where it
had fallen
Mrs. Harvey looked sheepish. The
other ladies dispersed, saying one to an
other:
''How story will grow if once it gets
a good start"
A few conscientious souls took pains
to go around the hall telling the truth
of the matter, and it was hoped no harm
had been done by the exaggeration.
Five years later, far out on Western
prairie, Mrs. Harvey was asked by
relative:
"What became of that dreadful Agnes
Fisher, a seminary girl, you know, who
stole an oil painting from that loan ex-
hibition you were all so interested in the
last time was East. There is quite a
little Vermont colony about us here, you
know, and she had acquaintance among
them who tried to get her in as teacher
of our high school, but [ got hold of it
and put stop to it right away, I assure
you. They could hardly believe the
story, but when I told them I was there
in the hall when the loss was made
known, they had to give in"
! ''When the thistle seed is scattered to
the four winds, it is hard to get it to-
gether again to destroy it, F" sighed Mrs.
Harvey. eff one little seed, even with
its feathery sail, eludes pursuit, you may
run across it any time, far away, the
center of a thicket that it has propa-
gated. Be truthful, check the idle word,
and be wary of breath that can soil a
! good name as you would be of wound
ing soul that shall live through all eter-
nifty. - Christian at Worb.