The Meeker herald., 1896-06-20

W1ass'" III MS hollow eyes, on his blue
vetnsd hands, bowed assent.
Il came" said Harwood. declining
the solitary chair which was profYered
him. about the picture exhibited in
Aercers window 1t is not for sale?"
mo, Sir"
moi at large fgure?"
Tne artist did not at once answer.
He vas i'll and very poor.
Not at any price," he said.
lou could not make me copy?"
No' Sir. The truth Of the matter is
this: Ihe young lady who consented
to ut for me for that picture did SO
out or her own sweet charity. She is
so seantltul. and makes such fine
stuU' fancied her face would bring
me Faefs where ones less lovely, even
II a9mirable as likeness, would fail.
need not enumerate to you the reasons
why IL would be dishonorable for me
to apuse her kindness"
understand your reasons. Mr..
Brad, and respect them. May give
YOU an order for life-sized pastel
fro9 this Photograph"
mad fortunately remembered hav-
ing In his pocket the picture of a
nepew that morning received. The
compission would help the poor art
ist.
a Fight tap came to the door.
| MAY come in, Vincent?" called
sweet voice.
| Tpe door opened Frank Harwood
turAed to look into the face that had
haulted him waking and sleeping, but
a thousand times fairer than the
colded crayons had reproduced it.
S4e half drew back at the sight OF the
strahger but Brand called to her:
| GONE in, Claire!" And then. with
youthful candor: This gentleman was
i JUST asking about your portrait"
She bowed slightly. She was all in
richIfurs and deep glowing velvet. The
eleghnce OF her attire puzzled Frank
HarEood
II hope the picture is bringing you
orders. Vincent"
I'll is, indeed" he answered, bright
ly.
well, it is late. I must go. Just
ran in to see how you were getting on -
| He smothered in fit Of coughing.
"You have the carriage?"
| 'No, | am on foot"
II shall see you home. them" the
artist said looking troubled. This is
not the best neighborhood in the world,
and 1t 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-
mitting me to accompany you? am
sorry l have not card. My name Is
Frank Harwood."
She had been listening with a some
what naughty air. She smiled nov
-.iti' snafaeHb5 kfaa eaAaliReassuu n you WIN com,
with me-" she said, simply.
On their way she told him about
Brand. whom she had known from
childhood.
HE is dying" she said. at is hard
to help him; he Is SO proud!'
The house before which che paused
was a magnificent one.
Harwood mustered courage to ask i
he might call.
1 NO" she said, gently; and then, a.
II repenting. Il shall be Mt Brand.
studio on Friday"
She ran up the steps
Needless to say, Harwood was il
the painters room early on Friday
afternoon. The number of orders h.
gave quite overwhelmed the artist. Sh,
came at last, her face like rose ovel
her dark furs.
Tley met. not quite by chance, man,
tims, and still Frank did not learI
her name. He called her Miss Claire
One evening when he was leaving tn,
studio with her, he told her the stor!
of low he had first happened to com,
thsie.
~ fell in love with 4 pastel por
tral," he said II am to-day in Low,
witt the original But know so littl,
Of YOU 1t seems like being in love will
a sIirit. Are you going to punish m,
presumption, or reward my daring?"
Sic indicated her carriage that stoot
at the curb.
Get in," she said smiling. e
chance to be driving your way"
The vehicle stopped at his aunt
doo'.
DO you know my aunt?" he began
Jist then his aunt came towards
thn,A
claire. my dear!" she cried. Frank
where did you meet Miss Fainsworth?
"Fainsworth. he repeated, blankly
"Ysu"--he reproached Claire-"kneV
me all the timer
do you think would have let yo'
set me home that night II l did not?
l she asked. archIy.
I What In the world are you childre
: talking about?" Franks aunt question
ed
They only laughed.
But there was that in the lovel
eyes raised to his which told him b
n