The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1889-09-11
A FADING PICTURE.
BY GEORGE HALE.

1t was brilliant day in early summer,
but the outer blinds on the windows of
the waiting room of Henry Milford's
Photographic establishment were closed
so that the room seemed almost dark
to one just come in from the sun-lit
street. As the eye grew accustomed,
however, to the semi-twilight, the relief
from the outer glare was grateful. At
one side through an opening partially
closed by a heavy curtain a little glimpse
could be had of the operating room, or
STUDIO, as Milford preferred to have it
called.
Mr.. Milford was busily engaged in pre-
pairing for the printing of some pictures
which seemed TO him to require more par
ticular care and attention than usual, and
it did not please him to be interrupted.
Such day for work seldom came to him.
It did not allay his irritation any to be
lskcd abruptly, as he was, upon entering
he waiting room.
''Mr. Milford, can you take a picture
or meln
The young lady who asked this turned
Ter attention almost Immediately to some
xamples of Mr.. Milfords work hanging
N the walls.
"It is almost impossible to see these, it
so dark" she said, "but it is so pleas
Mt to escape the horrid glare of the
treet.n
Henry Milford was fond of his work,
which he considered art, and he had car
ded 1t to rare degree Of perfection He
was very conscientious, too, and in pos
ng his sitters before the camera he would
axe as much care and exercise us much
Intelligence as could any artist in arrang-
ng his models or draperies. He was
proud of his finished work, and always
inpatient of criticism. 1t was for this
eason, perhaps, that he had made him
elf somewhat exclusive. AT all events,
whatever the reason, he would discrimin-
tie as he pleased among the many appli-
ants for sttings. To those whose ap-
pearance or manners did not please him,
he would always say that he had too many
engagements to take their pictures. In
truth, he had obtained such reputation
and had so many applications that he was
almost compelled to select from them.
~ am very busy-I do not know" he
replied.
Miss Mitchell, his present caller, was
little annoyed and perhaps little sur
prised as well.
''In this climate of ours one has so few
days in which he can work. Unfortu-
nately, | am compelled to think very much
about the weather"
On this particular day there seemed to
be very little reason for this backward
ness. Indeed, inasmuch as he had made
up his mind that he would really like to
take Miss Mitchell's picture, this preteuce
Of not wishing to do so was folly; but habit
was much too strong for him.
Pardon mew she said. Il did not
know. l thought that this would be
Just the sort of day
"And so it really is" he said quickly
"lf you sit here few minutes l viii ar
range the room and camera
He answered with such alacrity and
his manner had so changed that Julia
Mitchell was surprised more than ever.
She was not sure that she was not fright
ened little. He, however, had carefully
studied her and had decided Just the pose
which he thought would suit her, He
was now as enthusiastic aS he had before
been otherwise.
"These perhaps will interest you while
you are waiting" he said, as he placed
in her hand several photographs.
"But, she replied, 81 ought to make
some preparations, too
"Oh, your hat, - he said, 'and your
hair But | wish you would let me take
the first one of you just as you are. ~
1t seemed to him that he could not
quickly enough make the necessary ar
rangements; but at last everything was
ready and Julia Mitchell's wish was graft
fed; at least, four negatives had been
made and she hoped soon to receive a
finished picture of herself which would
please her.
Time went on and Miss Mitchell did
not receive her pictures as promptly as
she had hoped she might She called upon
Mr.. Milford to urge him to greater haste,
but he met all her complaints with good
hunlor, yet made very little effort to
please her. In truth, he enjoyed her
visits, and, perhaps, he purposely delayed
the completion of her pictures in order
that she might be led in as often as pos
sible. Her impatienco with the delay
rather amused him, and their talk was in
terestng to him. And so, indeed, il was
TO her, although, it may be, she would
not have SO Acknowledged. il she had