The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-05-04
HER BLIND RIVAL.

It was an intensely hot morning in June,
as Dorothy Beresferd, hot and painting and
laden with canvas, paint box, etc, climbed
the long stairs leading to the studio an St.
Stephens Green Dublin, where shs
worked.
This was Monday, the first day for the
new model, and Dorothy presently found
herself one Of group Of eight or nine stu
dents watching with pleasant excitement
the posing of q handome melancholy eyed
italian boy on the little platform.
A quarter before 8 o'clock, the time
for closing, Dorothy, her face burning
with artistic excitement, turned to get
some raw sienna. As she flung the tube
back she cast a hasty glance into tho street
below and tho glance merged into pro
longed stare.
A slight girl, in soft gray dress, with
large hat to match, leaned on the arm Of
young man, whose upright, easy figure
was very familiar. Very familiar, indeed
Only last night In her aunt's hall her head
had rested against that shoulder, that arm
had been round her.
Only four months-four happy months
since Ferguson Graham, the rising bar
rister, had been introduced to Dorothy
only three weeks since the day she had
given the answer plsadingly sought by the
owner of that arm
-4Ag now aL0t4AtL ssAL4 IS A1aA4AAis5 Dl uAle4a
arm. Who is she9
The same evening Ferguson Graham
called at Dorothy's home.
You are working too hard at the studio,
darling, - he said quietly.
Not a bit. 1t is my greatest enjoy
Tuent- Have you been very busy today2''
"I2'' he answered lamely. 'Oh, mol
Well-ratherr.
81 hope you got some relaxation?"
Dorothy, darling, what is wrong?' be
said softly.
Dorothy battled hard with q rush Of
tears Then the recollection of the seat
under the beech tree rose too painfully dis
tinot She flung her head aside and sprang
TO her feet, making for the door
But Ferguson Graham placed himself
before her and said:
Sc Don E try to 60 on with this acting,
Dorothy. Tell me the moaning of your
manners have a right To know, and
what is more viii know
In silence they stood one breathless in
slant, then, wrenching herself free with a
passionate gesture and a low breaUhed u
thought you loved mo- Dorothy was
gone. The next day Dorothy spent at Lu-
can, refusing to see her lover on plea Of
headache when he called late in the even
ing. And another night she tossed on her
bed, making up her mind that she would
give back her ring and never see him again
and as quickly unmaking it again.
The next day was studio day again.
Dorothy worked with a feverish rapidity,
which surprised herself and her master.
The passionate eyes OF the model glowed
at her from out of the canvas.
Half past o'clock. Yes. There they
verol Dorothy's heart gave great bound,
her face grew pale and she stepped care
lassly back as if to view her work.
They are seated close together and in
stantly, rs Dorothy looks, the girl opens
her handbag and gives a photograph to
Ferguson.
Dorothy's heart grew cold and fai 8;
only few days ago he had begged for 81
photo; now he is treasuring another'si
In trembling, feverish haste easel nd
canvas are put by and Dorothy, soarc sly
realizing her intention, finds herself on
the walk leading to the beech tree
She is close to him now and she stands
transdxed, for the beautiful eyes of the
girl uplifted to her companion, are utter
~, Enthusiastically sightless. Dorothy knows
all now.
Ferguson looks up and ia another in
slant Dorothy, faint and trembling, is
led to the seat and hears him saying,
You know my sister Lilly, Dorothy, at
least, by hearsay." hears another sweet
voice saying, ssThis is really Dorothy
feels slender fingers delicately touch
her face and learns that Lilly with
her sister Agnes, has come to Dublin on
private visit to see Dr. Fitzgerald again
"a little vain hope of Lilly's own-that
Agnes caught cold on Sunday in St Pat
rick's cathedral, therefore Ferguson has
brought Lilly here each day for fresh air.
And then she hears Ferguson whisper
very low.
'sAnd you could doubt me, Dorothy"
Forgive me, Ferguson. = FTP London
News.