Griggs courier. (Cooperstown, Griggs Co., Dak. [N.D.]) 1885-1902, 1901-12-05
How Daily Found
Her Talent. \
By Susan Hubbard Martin.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ut WISH I had 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 pictures.
Cousin Kate was mixing paints pre-
paratory to 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 a tall
young woman, with clear eyes, album
dant chestnut hair, and 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. a
IF I could paint as you do now -
went on Daffy soberly, 81 would be
happy; but can't, and you know
how poorly have always played and
sung. I love music, but I 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 /
never could compose even a passable
letter." II ss.:
Cousin Kate looked at the droop-
ing. discouraged face before she an
swered. It was no wonder, for, in
spite of her sadness Daffy was such a
pretty, refreshing sight in her brown
suit and picturesque hat. IL
"Daffy," she asked suddenly, "where
did you get that hat, my dear?''
''This?" answered Daffy Indifferent
~. tout of my head,'' she added. II
make my own hats. always do, you
know. Why?" she questioned mo-
ment later. .,...... /.
Cousin Kate looked at the hat
again.
..why," she repeated, because it's
beautiful, dear The very pref tiest
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 write a
poem.f I am not so sure that it lis not
as great one to send, out upon this
gray old world af1ittle being like
yourself who can put together colors
so daintitly and effectively, and create
a bonnet. Why don't you turn it to
account?"
Daffy laughed. "How can I?'' she
answered. "Here 1 am, papa's only
chick and child. with more money
than I 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 i am SO rich in his love and
care is no reason that I want to sit
down and be useless cumberer. 81
the earth. There's no necessity fol
earning money, but would like to dc
something to help somebody, just q
little.' The girls voice broke and
something very like tears rose in the
dark eyes.
"Daffy,'' said Cousin Kate slowly
1'did you see old Mrs. Fiske at church
yesterday"
Daffy nodded.
'.Did 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, pool
old soul. Yes, I did too. I noticed
that her old bonnet had about giye1
out. How long has she worn it
Klte?''
HSeyen years." was the answer. 81
I know, for I remember. It looked
well enough once, but the wind AMI
snow and sleet Of SO many winter,
have at last wrought it's ruin. Yoi
I say, Daffy dear, you don't need mon
ey. Here is a chance to help som,
one who can't give it for things.
can paint q picture. but couldn'