The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1900-07-26

Miss Silverton of Evanston. This is
TO be>a gift to her fiance from one Of
his friends-a wedding gift. She is in
the secret. I worked from a photo
graph until last week, when she gave
me sitting. She is to be here for an
other today
Annie Hazard, a little, slender, elf
locked sprite, enveloped in 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. He had taken the me-
dalton up in his palm, and was look
Ing down upon it with something
brooding in his gaze-a glance of ten
der prophecy.
You think it good?''
"Stunningly good. I 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.
I 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 it?"
"A glorious triumph! In fancy, l
already see you bespeaking a smile
from the foremost miniature artist of
the coming century,. and Dragging of
your friendship! Give that back sir.
I must complete that gown before the
original comes in
Is 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 mountain lake. Black
eyebrows-but the hair is reddish gold.
Is''-a sudden doubt striking him-"the
shade-natural?"
"Natural!" His sister picked up a
mahl stick and assumed belligerent
attitude. Trust woman" she said,
to recognize bleached hair
Still he held the miniature, his eyes
bent full upon it. The mistress of the
studio heaved ponderous sigh.
If 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.
If you hadn't dashed my hopes at
birth, Man." he said, I'D have staid
to make the acquaintance of the orig
inal Of the miniature. But as she is
to be BRIDE" he struck tragic
pose. Farewell, sweet dreams!" he
cried.
Farewell, dear brother!" returned
the artist. Il love to have you come
in when Coke and Blackstone-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 I didn't
come in to. be told that. The Percy
Joys have box at the Auditorium to-
night. They want us to join them.
They're to have 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, If that is all, I'll get them for
you. What shade do you wish-what
is your number?"
Shade, light heliotrope. Size, five
and 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 countenance of
Tennyson's St. Agnes to a sketch of
one dropping hand holding a perfect
rose.
mot although 1 am responsible
for all. My pupils have done some.''
Pupils! Phew-we are in earnest.
Honestly, Nan, I'm glad induced dad
toilet you have your way. We thought
It was all a fad, you know"
Eyes, know" She smiled-a con-
scious little smile. 1--WE didn't call it
q fad when you wished to study for
the bar. And see how you've vindi-
Gated yourself! I was so proud this
morning when read what the paper
said of your speech in the trust case
yesterday''
d .Nan-you iatterer!" But he color
ed with pleasure. 'I'll have to make
the pair Of gloves half dozen pairs
in payment. sluppose!"
The Pickering smile deepened
around her lips. You, may prove your
gratitude in that way if you choose!"
she declared demurely. give never
seen the day when I had too many
pairs Of gloves"
e mo woman ever did," he rejoined,
laughing. And he went out of the
studio, out Of the building, and strobe
down State street, a straight, hand
some, manly young fellow to whom
went sparkling glances Of spontaneous
admiration.
He did not notice the chances nor
those from whom they came. He saw
race as he swung along. It was un-
like all other faces thronging that
.populous thoroughfare. It was not
only the physical perfection that app
lpealed to him II was the look Of re-
sarveof distinction. This look told