Crittenden press. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1879-1907, 1901-12-19
How Daily Found
Her Talent.
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
at WISH. had a gift" said Dsffy
BY Susan Hubbard Martin.

i with a diScOnsolate sigh.
1t was Monday, blue Monday, and
Daphne, commonly called Daffy, had
slipped over early to Rates studio;
Cousin Kate, who with her magic
brush wrought such exquisite and
glowing little pictures.
Cousin Kate was mixing paints pre-
paratory to a hard mornings work.
The canvas stood already on the easel
in the best light the little room af-
forded. Cousin Kate looked the true
artist that she was in her plain dress
and long white apron. She was tall
young woman. with clear eyes, abun-
dant chestnut hair, and a firm sweet
mouth.
Daffy was unlike her as possible, be-
ing small and slight, with great dark
eyes, and cheeks as full of color as a
ripe carnation.
"If 1 could paint as you do now"
went on Daffy soberly, 81 would be
happy; but 1 can't, and you know
how poorly | have always played and
sung. l love music, but l can't make
f.. any more than old Michael can
who cleans our yard. Then there's
writing. I'd like nothing better than
60 be able to write fine things, but
there's no use wishing that, for
never could compose even a passable
letter"
Cousin Kate looked at the droop-
ing, discouraged face before she an
swered. 1t was no wonder, for in
spite of her sadness Daffy was such a
pretty, refreshing sight in her brown
suit and picturesque hat.
"Daffy," she asked suddenly, "where
did you get that hat, my dear?"
"This?" answered Daffy Indifferent
ly. "Out of my head" she added. 81
make my own hats. / always do, you
know. Why2" she questioned a mo-
ment later.
Cousin Kate looked at the hat
again.
"Why," she repeated. because it's
beautiful, dear. The very prettiest
hat I've seen this season. and you
made it. Yet here you are bemOaning
the hard fate that has bestowed upon
you no gift. My dear, il may be an
art to paint a picture, or write a
poem. ] am not so sure that il is not
as great a one to send out upon this
gray old world little being like
yourself who can put together colors
so daintitly and effectively, and create
a bonnet. Why don't you turn it 10
account"
Daffy laughed. "How can -" she
answered. Here / am, papa's only
chick and child, with more money
than / need, and nothing to do but
look happy. That's all the dear man
requires of me. He loves me as / am,
dear father, and wouldn't exchange
me for the greatest literary and artis-
tic light in existence. That's the
way with these dear fathers, they
give all and expect nothing. But be-
cause / am so rich in his love and
care is no reason that / want TO sit
down and be useless cumberer of
the earth. There's no necessity for
earning money, but would like to do
something TO help somebody, just a
little" The girls voice broke and
something very like tears rose in the
dark eyes.
"Daffy," said Cousin Kate slowly,
did you see old Mrs. Fiske at church
yesterday"
DafTy nodded.
ibid you notice anything about
herr" went on Cousin Kate. her head
bent over her palette.
Nothing except that she looked
older and shabbier than usual, poor
old soul. Yes, did too. / noticed
that her old bonnet had about given
out. How long has she worn it,
Kate?"
"Seven years" was the answer. 81
know, for / remember IL looked
well enough once, but the wind and
snow and sleet of so many winters
have at last wrought its ruin. You
say, Daffy dear, You don't need mon
ey Here is a chance 10 help some
one who can't give it for things. /
can paint a picture. but j couldn't