The Red Cloud chief., 1900-07-13

"Jove! what "A beauty, A portrait
really? who IL she?"
Miss Sllvcrtun of Evanston. This Is
to be a gift to her hance from one Of
his triends-a wedding gift. She Is In
the secret. | worked from II photo
graph until last week. when she gave
me a sitting. She is to be here for an
other today"
Annie Hazard. a little, slender, elf
locked sprite. envelopcd in n big paint
ing apron. with "A palette on thumb.
looked up To read approval in the eyes
OF the gigantic young brother who tow
cred over her. lie had taken the mo-
dalton up In his palm, and was look
Ing down upon IL with something
%brooding In his gaze-a glance of ten
der prophecy.
you think 1t good?"
~"Stunningly good. l didn't think It
was in you, Mani"
A flash OF pleasure irradiated her
small, dark face. II did" she said.
He laughed, putting his left hand
caressingly on the wavy, blue-black
head.
81 know dear. We guyed you dread
fully about your determination to be-
come a miniature painter more than
the others. But you're proving your
detractors in the wrong. It's quite a
triumph TO do that-isn't III"
"A glorious triumph! In fancy. /
already See you %bespeaking IA smile
from the foremost miniature artist OF
the coming century, and Dragging OF
your friendship! Give that back, sir.
/ must complete that gown before the
original comes in"
rs she really as lovely as this, Nam"
He made no attempt to return the pic
ture in his palm. What "A nobility OF
brow! And those eyes are serene and
pellucid as n mountain lake. Black
eyebrows-but the hair is reddish gold.
ia sudden doubt striking him-'the
shade-natural?"
Natural" His sister picked up a
mahl stick and assumed a belligerent
attitude. Trust a woman" she said,
ito recognize bleached hair"
still he held the miniature. his eyes
bent full upon 1t. The mistress OF the
studio heaved a ponderous sigh.
'lf you don't mind" she suggested.
meekly, Il should like that back before
the night cometh wherein no man may
work, or woman, either"
Young Hazard lifted his head with
an awakening gesture, laughed, hand
ed her the oval piece of ivory.
ssIn .,.. l.l.H. 49,
birth, Nan" he said. I'D have stald
to make the acquaintance OF the orig
inal Of the miniature. But as she Is
to be a bride" he struck a tragic
pose. Farewell, sweet dreams!" he
cried.
Farewell, dear brother!" returned
the artist. 81 love to have you come
in when Coke and B~lackstone-or do
lawyers still read those eminently re-
spected authorities?-when they will
let you" She picked up a new brush
and mOistened its tip between. her
sensitive lips. Your new spring suits
becoming"
Thanks. awfully. But didn't
come in to be told that. The Percy
boys have a box at the Auditorium to-
night. They want us to join them.
They're to have a chafng-dish supper
at their quarters later. You'll come,
won't your"
Can't" The small head swayed in
decided negation. Haven't a decent
pair OF gloves to my name, nor time to
buy them"
20, II that is all, I'll get them for
you. What shade do you wish-what
Is your NUMBER"
Shade, light helIotrope. Size, five
and a half, Six buttons"
Explicit. at least He took up his
hat. Jolly little den you've got here,
Nan. Do you mean to say you've done
all these things?" The comprehensive
sweep OF his hand included many pic
lures, from the rapt c%ountenance of
Tennyson's st. Agnes to a sketch of
one dropping hand holding a perfect
rose.
Not although | am responsible
for all. My pupils have done some.'
pupils! Phew-we are in earnest.
Honestly, Nan, I'm glad | induced dad
to let you have your way. We thought
1t was all a fad. you know"
Yes. ! know" She smiled-a con-
scious little smile. I'VE didn't call IL
a fad when you wished to study for
the bar. And see how you've vindi-
Gated yourself! ! was so proud this
morning when | read what the paper
said OF your speech in the trust case
yesterday"
"Nan-you flatterer!" But he color
ed with pleasure. "I1l have to make
the pair OF gloves half a dozen pairs
In payment, I %sluppose!"
The fickering smile ~deepened
around her lips. you may prove your
gratitude in that way II you choosel"
she declared demurely. i've never