Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1896-06-11

Veined hands, bowed assent
II came" said HARDWOOD, declining
the solitary chair which was proffered
him. about the picture exhibited in
MERGERS window. 1t is not for sale?"
mo, SIR"
mot at a large figure?"
The artist did not at once answer.
He was i'll and very poor.
mot at any price," he said.
You could not make me copy?"
mo. sir. The truth Of the matter Is
this: The young lady who consented
to sit for me for that picture did so
out Of her own sweet charity. She Is
so beautiful, and makes such a fine
study. fancied her face would bring
me orders, where ones less lovely. even
II admirable as likeness, would fail.
need not enumerate to you the reasons
why 1t would be dishonorable for me
to abuse her kindness"
II understand your reasons. Mr..
Brand. and respect them. May / give
you an order for a li:e-sized pastel
from this photograph"
He had fortunately remembered hav-
ing in his pocket the picture OF a
nephew that morning received. The
commission would help the poor art
list.
A light tap came to the door.
May / come in. Vincent" called a
sweet voice.
The door opened. Frank HARDWOOD
turned to look into the face that had
haunted him waking and sleeping, but
thousand times fairer than the
colored crayons had reproduced it,
She half drew back at the sight of the
stranger, but Brand called TO her:
Come in, Clairer' And then, with
youthful candor: This gentleman was
just asking about your portrait"
She bowed slightly. She was all in
rich furs and deep glowing velvet. The
elegance of her attire puzzled Frank
Harwood.
Il hope the picture is bringing you
orders, Vincent"
1T is, indeed" he answered, bright
ly.
We'll, it is late. / must go. l just
ran in to see how you were getting on"
He smothered in fit of coughing.
You have the carriage?"
mo, am on foot"
Il shall see you home, then" the
artist said, looking troubled. This is
not the best neighborhood in the world,
and IL is growing dark"
The fierce cough shook him again.
You shall do nothing of the kind!"
she said, peremptorily.
Harwood went forward, hat in hand.
"Will you do me the honor of per-
hitting me to accompany you? l am
sorry have not a card. My name is
Frank Harwood"
She had been listening with a some
what naughty air. She smiled now
with sudden friendliness.
Il shall be glad if you will come
with me, she said simply
On their way she told him about
Brand, whom she had known from
childhood
He is dying" she said. 1T is hard
to help him. he is so proudr'
The house before which she paused
was a magnificent one.
Harwood mustered courage to ask If
he might call.
mo-" she SAID, gently; and then, as
if repenting, Il shall be ut Brands
studio on Friday"
She ran up the steps.
Needless to say. Haryood was in
the painters room early on Friday
afternoon. The number of orders he
gave quite overwhelmed the artist. She
came at last, her face like rose over
her dark furs.
They met, not quite by chance, many
| times, and still Frank did not learn
her name. He called her Miss Claire.
One evening when he was leaving the
studio with her, he told Der the story
of how he had first happened to come
there.
II fell in love with pastel por-
! trait" he said. Il am to-day in love
with the original But know so little
Of you it seems like being in love with
a spirit. Are you going to punish my
presumption, or reward my daring?"
She indicated her carriage that stood
at the curb.
Get in" she said, smiling. Il
chance to be driving your way"
The vehicle stopped at his aunt's
door.
do you know my aunt?' he began.
Just then his aunt came towards
them.
"Claire. my dearr she cried. Frank,
where did you meet Miss Fainsworth p
"Fainsworthr he repeated, blankly.
"You'-he reproached Claire-"knew
me all the timer
do you think would have let you
see me home that night If did not?'
she asked. archly.
What in the world are you children
talking about?" Franks aunt question
ed.
They only laughed.
But there was that in the lovely
eyes raised to his which told him he
might plead again-and not in vain.
KATE NJ. CLEARY.