Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1901-12-05
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
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How Daily Found
Her Talent.
By Susan Hubbard Martin.
Observation-Disclosures
TT WISH I had a gift" said Daffy

FIT WISH I had a gift" said Daffy
| with a disconsolate sigh.
1t was Monday, blue Monday, and
Daphne, commonly called Daffy, had
slipped over early to Kate's studio;
Cousin Kate, who with her magic
brush wrought such exquisite and
glowing little piv<kres.
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 q 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
ripe carnation.
eff I could paint as you do now"
went on Daffy soberly, 81 would be
happy; but I can't, and you know
how poorly have always played and
sung. l love music but l can't make
it, any more than old Michael can
who cleans our yard. Then there's
writing. I'd like nothing better than
to be able to write fine things, but
there's no use wishing that, for l
never could compose even a passable
letter"
Cousin Kate looked at the droop-
ing, discouraged face before she an
svered. 1t was no wonder, for N
spite of her sadness Daffy was such
pretty, refreshing sight in her brown
suit and picturesque hat.
"Daffy," she asked suddenly, "wherc
did you get that hat, my dear?"
"This?" answered Daffy Indifferent
ly. "Out of my head" she added. 81
make my own hats. l always do, you
know. Why?" she questioned mo-
ment later.
Cousin Kat/ 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, it may be an
art to paint a picture, or lite a
poem. 1 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 to
accC 3nt?"
Daffy laughed. "How can r" she
answered. Here 1 am, papa's only
chick and child, with more money
than 1 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 arts
tic light in existence. That's the
way with these dear fathers, they
give all and expect nothing. But be-
cause 1 am so rich in his love and
care is no reason that 1 want to sit
down and be a 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 Co sin Kate slowly,
"did you see old Mrs. Fiske at church
yesterday"
Daffy nodded.
"Did you notice anything about
her?" went on Cousin Kate, her head
bent over her palette.
Nothing except that she looked
older aid shabbier than usual, poor
old soul. Yes, 1 did too. 1 noticed
that her old bonnet had about given
out. How long has she worn it,
Kate?"
Seven years." was the answer. 81
know, for l remember. 1t looked
well enough once, but the wind and
snow and sleet of so many winters
have Ut last wrought its ruin. You
say, Daffy dear, you don't need mon
ey. Here is a chance to help some
one who, can't give it for things. 1
can paint picture, but couldn't
make a bonnet in 100 years. Butt
know some one that can. Do l make
myself plain?"
Daily rose. Very" she retOrted
merrily. Already the prospect of a
dull morning was swept away.
thank you for your suggestion,
cousin NINE" she went on. I'M take
myself home, and see what l can