Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1885-11-11

stead"
Minna colored deeply as she remem-
bered that in her elation of the day
before she had actually been so foolish
as to write to Palmer & Co. to send up
an expert to value her picture for the
salesroom.
"Where is the picture?" he asked.
"Is this it?"
"Yes," Minna answered, with an
odd, choking sensation in her throat.
"But-but-"
1t was OF no use. The tears would
come. She sat down in the cushioned
window seat, and hid her face in her
hands.
"Has anything happened?' asked
Mr.. Paul Palmer, genuinely discon-
certed.
"Notbing more than might have
been expected" said Minna, trying to
smile "Please don't think me foolish!
Yesterday fancied that this daub Of
mine was a gem of art. Now my eyes
have been opened. know that it is
worthless!"
Mr.. Palmer glanced scrutinizingly
at the picture.
But" said he, "are you sure that
you are the best judge?"
Zone can trust ones own instinct"
said Minna, sadly. "I am sorry to
have given you so much unnecessary
trouble. But I am not rich, and |
thought l had discovered a way of
earning my living. 1t is bitter dis
appointment to me; but suppose it is
an old story to you, Mr.. Palmer"
Paul was silent. In the course of
his business he had witnessed many
trying scenes, but his heart ached for
this pale little girl, with the sunny,
hax-gold hair brushed away from her
forehead, and the almost imperceptible
limp in her gait. 1t seemed to him as
if he could read her story almost as
plainly as if it were written on her
face in printed sentences.
Suppose you let me take the pict.
ure home and submit it to my father
opinion?" he said, calmly.
IL do not believe it will be of any
use," sighed Minna. ut seems as il
my eyes had been unsealed all too late
am no artist. am only fraud
Oh, yes" as he looked inquiringly al
her, "you can take it. The sooner
know my fate, the better it will be fol
me-"
So Mr.. Palmer wrapped up the can.
vas in piece of brown paper, bowed
quiet "good-by," and departed.
All that day Minna sat in sort OF
terrified suspense, scarcely daring tc
breathe. Toward night Mr.. Palmer
came back.
"Well?" she gasped. breathlessly.
II am happy to say that the picture
is accepted said he. 81 have brought
you twenty-five dollars for it. And
would like a pair of smaller ones-
companion subjects--as soon as you
can furnish them"
Minna Morton gave little gasp fol
breath
ooh" she cried, "you do not really
mean it. accepted! and more want
cd, Oh, 1t don't seem possible"
"How soon can you have then
ready?' said Paul, quietly. "In q
month";
"Yes, in less time than that,
answered Minna, half giddy with de
light. n shall work day and night
Oh, Mr.. Palmer, how kind you are
Indeed, indeed, you do not know wha
all this means for me-"
If Minna could have been tempora
rily clairvoyant that day-if she coul,
have followed PaCl Palmer back to tn,
cart emporium" where bis father
half doubled up with lumbago, sa
viewing his recent acquisition through
an eye-glass-what would have beer
her feelings?
Paul." said he, curtly, "this thin!
that you have brought home ism
worth shop-room?"
"What is the matter with it, sir?"
"Nothing-nothing on earth. TIL
trouble" said Mr.. Palmer, vindictive
ly, "is that there is nothing to it. !
is negative from beginning to end
Tell the artist we can find no sale TO
such trash!'
But Paul Palmer carried back n
such message. He went and cam
often. He spoke words of kind.
encouragement to the poor young girl
and paid, out of his own pocket, liber
al prices for her efforts.
And one day he asked her to be hi
wife. and Minna promised that sh
would.
: Heretofore" said she, II have al
ways dreamed Of devoting myself t
art; but of late am not so hopeful
1t seems as if my poor pinions are no
! strong enough to soar. Yes. Paul,
you care for helpless lame girl lik