Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-05-16
Cabs aud Sketehes.
YHH ONLY PUPIL.
CCo.tinuea from Yesterday. J

On her way home Miss Elizabeth thought
with rapture that perhaps day might
come when she should open catalogue
and see Sunset or ..Reverie." or Moon
light Hours or some such romantic title.
among the list OF pictures, followed by
the delightful words. .'by Miss Elizabeth
Hill"
The thought chased away the scruples
that troubled her as to the propricty OF
being the only scholar of single gentle
man and, then. he was so gentlemanly
He never quite closed the door de sat
at the opposite side of the table. de was
decorum itself. And such genius How
foolish OF the other members of that limited
class not to avail themselves Of such OPP
portunitles! The quarter was over and
/ she was beginning to wonder whether Mr.
Buckley would trouble himself to teach
class of one for so small sum. When
/ hurrving upstairs TO her lesson she heard
voices within the door and paused. Two
men were talking. One was Gr. Buckle
IF you can but wait little. she heard
him say.
well. | have waited, haven't p" re-
piled the other voice. Il know You mean
we'll: but studios are in request. can't
let mine for nothing. You have't given
me one cent for two months, Mr.. Buckle. "
! "You see I'm just establishing myself. :"
said Mr.. Buckle; pupils come slowly,
| spent all ] had in advertising and pay
ing the first month rent and buying such
furniture as I've got. | sleep in that
hammock, and take down the portiere tor
a blanket; and so tar I've got only one
pupil. 1t won't do to starve. live on
dollar week Now, where is the money
for rent ?''
Don't seem TO be any," replied the
landlord ''that's why | think maybe
you'd better move"
"Ah well. suppose | must" said MIR.
| Buckle "I'll Just give this lesson and
hang myself, or something-not here, it
would give the place bad name you know
and you've been most kind. Good morn
ing. All. no, don't apologize; it's all in
the way of business - and then large
man in light overcOat bounced out and
nearly overset Miss Elizabeth as he ran
down stairs.
She, for her part, went into the room all
tremulous with surprise and grief, and
could hardly utter her usual greeting.
She looked a, Mr.. Buckle as he laid out
the pattern. and tested the shade of the
color in her palette cups, thinking what
fine. kind. pleasant face his was.
She noticed. too, that the braid that
bound his coat was worn out, and that
his knees were shiny.
Then he came around the table and for
the first time sat down beside her.
I'm going to give up this studio. Miss
Hir,' he said. This will be our last
lesson. I'll give you the address of an
excellent teacher who has vacancies.
He's a little dearer than I am. but ever so
much better"-
"Oh. that can't be - cried Miss Eliza
beth
"Oh, yes. indeed" said Mr.. Buckle,
I'm. after ALL only an Amateurs sort
of imposter. I'm rather good at water
colors. know. but Pm not professional,
unless teaching you makes me so. feel
like telling you the truth"
II had little when | came here and
they told me could treble it. I'm sure
couldn't say what did, with that object,
but was told one day that | had lost it all.
| I'm not business, man you know land
then thought I'd teach water colors and
well, you've been my only pupil, you
know. so I've got to say goOd-by; and
and there's something else I'd like to tell
you-but you might be offended"
"Oh no. said Miss Elizabeth.
you'll forgive me- Thanks" said Mr..
Buckle. well. it is this-if l hadn't
been such poor beggar I'd have asked
you if YOU could like me enough
| to marry me. never met anyone so nice.
alike and all that
/ ;yl- of - t1o,
can help. but felt that I must tell you
before we parted forever"
Miss Elizabeth had put her handker-
chief to her eyes. and now was heard to
whisper something.
BEG pardon" said Mr.. Buckle.
! live got plenty" said Miss Eliza
beth
PLENTY ?" repeated Mr. Buckle
Money" 'gasped Miss Elizabeth,
plenty for BOTH
you kind little woman" said Mr.
Buckle, and took her hand
The brushes lay neglected, the color
dried on the palette.
They sat thus for long while. then IF
you really love me-" said Miss Elizabeth.
lit doesn't matter which has the money"
"It's awfully sweet of you to feel that
way" said Mr.. Buckle "Only. would
it be right of me. you know? What would
your family say ?"
In the mellow twilight that had begnn
to steal over the empty little room. Miss
Elizabeth's face looked wonderfully soft
and young as she looked up at him but I
think she scarcely could have done what
she did but for that fancy picture of him.
self which he had made for his landlord
If she were not brave now she felt he
might indeed be found pendent from a
branch somewhere.
Heaven knows. I'm of age" she said.
with little laugh land a family that has
left me alone at boarding house may say
what it pleases; don't care"
at is the right spirit" said Mr.. Buckle.
II think it verv fine. and l shall be made
so unutterablv happy by it. nv DEAR
They kissed each other in the twilight.
and left the little room together, arm-in-
arm.
ut was very sly of Elizabeth. We
expected more confidence" said the old
est sister to her friends shortly after.
But she has married well-a celebrate
I o~oooIiprlv