The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1886-04-16


interview with him.
He was an old gentleman, with a
kindly face, who SO won her confidence
that she made known her errand with
out q tremor.
He listened kindly and courteously
until she had explained her motive in
calling upon him. Then he shook his
head
"Why, child said he, 1.-THE best
artists in the city do not consider it be.
meath their dignity to design for our
trade. An amateur would stand but
little chance.
Maudie's heart was in her throat, but
she said sturdily:
Before you make up your mind as to
my ability will you please look at
thesep"
s'Yes; but before | do so, you must
promise not to feel bad if / cannot pass
a favorable opinion. A stranger rarely
finds the merits in our productions that
we do ourselves"
His intentions were kinder than his
words, for he was really attracted by the
fresh young face with its earnest eyes
looking up at him so frankly; and he did
not wish to raise her anticipations and
then disappoint her.
So he looked at her drawings, care.
lessly ut first. then with unconcealed
surprise. After a time he turned tc
Maudie.
..Do you tell me these designs are
your ownP"
Maudie blushed, but said resolutely.
'Indeed, sir. they are mine, and no
one but yourself and my sick sister has
had glimpse of them"
BLESS me, child, how old are you?'
sixteen last March.
The old gentleman scrutinized the
sketches again, this time closely and
carefully. Then he said:
Il see you knew what you were capa-
bio of better than l did. These" laying
his hand upon her portfolio, 'are
wonderfully well done. Wonderfully
well-doner'
AS he brought out these last words
slowly and emphatically, Maudie's
spirits rose as rapidly as the mercury
does under the influence of unclouded
sunshine; and well they might for the
sun of independence and prosperity had
arisen for her.
Mr.. Beauclerck offered to write her q
letter of introduction to the firm who
supplied tho papeterie, saying that he
thought it very probable that they would
at once secure her services.
She waited long enough to receive
the precious letter, and then hurried
home to tell Alta that she had an Grand
xtrhinh ,,,ifrbt 1ofni, hon. hnY1rc
and not to worry if she stayed even
longer.
She met with success. Her drawings
proved the "open sesame to compe-
tence earned easily and pleasantly.
She could now procure the needed
delicacies for Alta, which had been out
of her reach before, hoping they might
restore the bloom to her pale cheek.
But the poor girl was suffering from a
wound which struck deeper than a
mere physical malady, so the loving
sister watched in vain for the roses OF
health.
Now that Maudie was secure of an
independence, she took Alta into her
confidence, and it proved source OF
pleasure to the sick girl to hear the
young artists off-hand description of
the various people she met with in her
business peregrinations.
One day. Maudie took her portfolio 10
town with her, as she had prospect of
selling some of her larger paintings to
be copied as chromos. Among them
she had inadvertently left picture of
her sister, Alta.
The gentleman who usually inspected
her drawings was absent, and the senior
partner sent word that he was very
much engaged, but to send in the port
folio and he would see if the paintings
were satisfactory, so she need not lose
her time by q useless journey.
Maudie seated herself to await his
decision. She heard the murmur OF
voices in the inner Office for a time, then
an exclamation of surprise, followed by
eager questioning. Then rapid foot
steps, and gentleman entered.
"Miss Maudie, am so fortunatep"
AS he approached his face absolutely
shone with pleasure; but its expression
changed as Maudle rose, white to the
lips, and motioned away his outstretch-
ed hand.
"Maudie listen to me. Nay, will be
heard. There is surely some terrible
mistake, cruel alike to me and Alta.
AS God is my witness, my life, since |
lost you, has been blank. have not
left place unvisited where / stood
chance of hearing from you. Do you
not believe mep"
Maudie stood for moment un.
decided.
He saw her change of expression, and
grasped her hand.
Il knew my little friend had not
turned traitor to me in her kind true
heart. Come, take me TO Alta"
did you not receive Atlas letter,
telling of papas death, and our changed
circumstances"
"The last letter l had from Alta was
dated just before you started for the
seaside on account of your fathers
health. But we are wasting time; take
me to Alta
''Alta is not the blooming queenly
girl of your acquaintance. She has
suffered q living death in thinking you
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