Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1894-10-20
CHAPTER XVII.
THE PICTURE.

HE fiCTUkE.
Excellent, excellentp' was Maxey's
sdmiring cry.
DR.. Lamar adjusted his eyeglass to
have better look ut it. The chandelier
blazcd ut its fullest in the front parlor.
The picture was placed ON an easel in
the projecting window space, and all
four stood back o little way to behold
II. Miss Maxey's arm was about An.
nctte's waist, and she expressed the sen.
timcnt the work had awakened in her
by an occasional admiring squeeze.
Maycy was simply radiant DR.. Lamar
was impressed, but puzzled. Mrs. Maxey
appeared both pleased and frightened
rs the warmth Of the reception Of her
latest attempt.
1t was life size sketch in crayon Of q
strong and characteristic face, some
what shadowy and ghostlike in its eff
f.,t, hat so bold and striking in concep-
tiun and execution that it commanded
and held the attention.
II don't know so much about the
technique of art rs ought" comment
ga Dr. Lamar, hut IL strikes me that
You have handled your subject remark
ably well. Mrs. Maxey. NOtwithstand-
ine the curious, vague and misty atmos-
phrrc which You have managed to throw
about it, the picture impresses you as a
rtaIity."
That it exactlyv' exclaimed Maxey.
That is Just the soul of true art. 1t is
recreation of nature. Iclaim that this
i, masterpiece. shall take it. to the
studio tomorrow and hang it up in q
conspicuous place"
Mrs. Maxcy started.
"Oh, no! Don't do that, please"
Why rot, Z should like to know"
"Becausc-I would rather You did
not
Dr.. Lamar turned from contempla-
ton of the picture to wondering scru-
tiny Of the young wife's features. There
was all unmistakablc scared look in her
face
Why, you silly little gooser' e1-
claimed Maxcy. with a laugh. what
are You afraid OFF,
'Oh, I'm not afraid! Only would
rather not have this picture put up in a
public place. 1t is better to wait until
have done something more worthy"
Nonsense, said Maxey. "This is one
Of your attacks of modesty You will
think better Of it in the morning."
And this is nobody's face?" ques-
Toned Lamar gravely. His eyes were
still fixed on the young wife's features.
"A fancy sketch simply" returned
Maxcy. That is why think SO highly
,E 4 "a
1T is remarkable, agreed Lamar.
Where did you get the idea, Mrs.
Maxcy?"
The scared look on her face deepened,
but she forced an uneasy laugh and re.
piled:
What n question! How does any
body get an original idea?''
Pure originality is delusion, said
the philosophic physician. 1--WE could
trace the most startling innovations if
We had the means ut hand. But in this
case you must be able to tell when you
hrst saw this face which you have put
upon the canvas. Did you sit down to
sketch with any definite idea in mind,
OF did 1t come to you rs you were draw
Ing it,"
"Oh, the face was in my mind before
thought of sl,ctching it.
When did you first become aware Of
its being in your mind?'
How ridicuiousr.
Mrs. Mazcy again laughed nervously.
Dr. Lamar's steady gaze had con-
fused her. Her glance was averted. Her
whole appearance indicated that this
Persistent questioning was extremely
dlStastcful TO her.
Maxcy and his sister naturally attrib-
uted all this wholly to her natural shy.
nos
What are You up to now, Eustace?'
laughed Maxcy. 'Somc new metaphys-
zeal theory, suppose. Haven't you done
c@rcrimenting ON my wife yet?"
Whatever his theory was, or however
great mis- desire for experiment, DR. La
mar kept it to himself. He voluntarily
changed the subject by reminding them
that Miss Maxoy had promised to sing.
Ihcy went into the back room to gath
eraround the piano, leaving the portrait
un,'cr the full glare Of the gaslight.
Later In the evening the door softly
opened, and Lamar came in. He wanted
20 see this strange picture alone and I'M
disturbed. He stood back, looking Mt it.
IN that steady light the ghostlike face
seemed to float is through misty space