The morning call., 1892-09-16
DICKS QUANDARY.

The scene was row Of summer cottages
built of rough logs. their sides made beauti-
full by brown lichens and green moses, in
terspersed with broken and curled bits OF
birchen bark which had been separated
from the logs Observation-Disclosures in which
hosts of city people made merry during the
hot summer months. and whose sliding
windows overlooked the lovliest Of the Bras
dor Lakes, whose cool waters were dimp-
ling constantly to soft breezes fragrant
with the breath Of pine forests further in-
land.
UpOn the ground, under great spreading
elm tree in front OF one of the cottages, lay
Dick Keens, troubled and perplexed man.
The cause of his mental disturbance were
occupants of an adjoining cottage. They
had grown to be the best Of friends during
the six weeks OF cQuaintainceshlp.a and DICK
was certain that he had lost his heart to one
of the daughters Of his neighbors. If not to
both, they were so lovely. The vivaclous
Lotts charmed him mOst-her arch ways
were so irresistible; still there was some
thing in the quiet Norma which seemed 70
hold his thoughts, despite her sisters faScl-
nations.
But Richard Keene. young, rich. hand
some, was fortunes prime favorlte. AS
usual she flew at once to the rescue.
"Mr. Keeue" called the sweet voice OF
Lolita Ouigey from the window OF their
cottage, which was not more than teE feet
from the spot where Dick lay. I'VE have
lust received some new pictures, and L
know you are dying to see them. Come in
and admire.
Dick was upon his feet at once. and a
moment later stood in the presence Of his
two diyinites. Lotta and Norma Quigley.
Lolita. greatly elated, was dancing about
rustic table. upon which was displayed
picture of herself which she had just re-
ceiyeG from New York.
1T is lovely, If it is a portrait OF Lolita
Ouigley! she cried moving the frame
hither and thitheT 90 that the best light
should fall upon it.
'I never was so pleased with anything"
''Of course it is ovelyl How could it be
otherwise?" replied Dick. gallantly, while
voice within his breast whispered to him
that Lolita was certainly the more charming
of the two girls. What striking picture
she made!
Il have mine also, cried Norman, as II
10 reply 20 MS thoughts.
She drew aside banner draped upon one
side OF the wall with brchen logs, and re-
yealed the counterpart Of LOtta's picture,
only her own features we're portrayed
thereon.
But why did you cover it?" cried Dick,
bis Quaudary deepening. Never was the
flag of our Union put 10 so base purpose"
The girls laughed in concert, and Lotta
cried out:
"Tell the truth now. Mr.. Keene! Which
Of the two is the prettlerP
"D0n'I ask me - Dick cried. How happy
could be with either were tother dear
picture away"
The young ladies' laughed all the more at
that and then L9tta continued:
"You have EXPRESSED your admiration
very prettily and impartlallY, MIR. kesne,
Now, please tell me which you think the
eestlier Of the two"
That is another poser" cried Dick in
despair. They both appear to be perfect;
they have the same artists name in the
corner, the frames are alike. l should say
they were equally valuable"
"You are right" replied Lotta, triumph
antly. yet l paid $50 for mine, while
Norma paid $40 for hers"
"How did that happen?" asked Dick.
"Why. you see" explained Lolita, I'VE
saw an advertisement IN New York paper
in which an artist offered to make a life
sized photograph for $40, provided we
bought a frame from him. Thinking this
would cost 10 more than $50 in all. we sent
on our order. Imagine our surprise a day
or two ago when We received bill for $40,
with the information that the pictures
would be delivered at once. Papa thought
press Office. but told him l knew Of a way
TO obtain both pictures and frames at just
cost if he would let me try It,"
THAT daughter of mine has considerable
finesse, Mr.. keene," observed Mr.. Quigley,
who was seated at the other end of the
apartment
well, we went to the Office and saw the
pictures; they were lovely, and Norma paid
for hers upon the spot; she wouldn't listen
to word had to say about my plan. But
was sharper than she; | telegraphed to
the artist that the picture did not suit at all
and the frame was injured; but as il was
here l would pay $50 for il, otherwise it
would be returned to him. This morning |
received a favorable answer to my telegram,
and here is the photograph. as you see"
II call that fine case of the bitter bitten"
said MI QuIgiey, admlrlngly rubbing his
hands together. "The frame isn't worth q
cent more than SO.
II feel rather iubiIant over 1t myself" re-
marked Lolita.
"Aod l am glad thar, although the artist
has taken advantage of me, l am guitless
of anydeception of like nature" observed
Norma
"But you must admit that l am $40 richer
than you are"
THAT doesn't matter; Ia rather have a
clear conscience than $4,000"
"Thaps just like you'll Why, the man is
deludlng the public, fairly forcing people
TO purchase his frames al outrageous prices.
In order TO procure their pictures when
finished. call IL nothing but poetic Just
that he should meet his match for once"
But l cannot see that your frame is in
lured In The least" observed Dick with man
ike stupidity.
"It isn't, of course. l only said that to
get even with him." said Lotta, blushing
slightly.
Dick looked surprised. but made no COM
ment.
Lolita ought to be lawyer" smiled Mr.
Qnigley admiringly. ''She has a fine idea of
justice"
The girl repaid her father for his compl-
ment with Kiss, while Norma colored and
looked uneasy.
During this conversation Dicks quandarv
bad cleared away. He had no longer any
doubts OF which girl he loved best. Before
he left the cottage he invited Norma to drive
upon the sands with him that afternoon /;
be did not include Lolita in the invitation
He has chosen between us, said Lolita
somewhat bitterly, as he strolled back to
his cottage.
Norma blushed again. and Mr.. Quigley
remarked consolingly, for Dick was con-
sidered ''cateh"-
Never mind, dear. Keene Is an odd sort
OF fellow. Norma will suit him, but your
hDesse Is moro in key with the spirit of The
times than any amount Of old-fashioned
honesty. Sill, / am sorry you told the
story OF your pictures quite so plainly"
Lotta acrepied the situation with the tact
with which her father credited her. She
was pretty and bright and at no loss for
admirers. But she never again looked at
the picture which she at first admired so
much, for she knew that it had cost her the
position in society which Norma Keene
filed SO well.
Trained Goose In Arkansas.
st Louis Gobe-Democrat
II was lecturing through Arkansas last