The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-10-15

ed
~Oh. I don't know said the girl.
turning away her Iustrous eyes They
say he has always been sought after by
women, but is never serious.
That's what they say of you. Lu-
cfle.'' returned Mrs Lothrop accusing1y.
But Lucille was humrning a gay little
French chanson. and made no response
Paul Willis stood before his easel.
gazing at the unfinished Dicture-the
picture of fair haired boy and d per-
feet darling of a little girl, who were
both looking up at the wall. One of hrs
old photographs had served as his model
for the lads portrayal. and love had
brought to his memory her childish
face, but the picture that hung on the
wall he could only dirhly recall. The
subject and the attitude of the man on
the horse that had 50 stirred his young
fancy were in his memory. but not per-
fectIy enough to transfer TO canvas
The next day. while rumma2lng
through the old stock of a picture deal
er he saw q small painting IN an an
tfaue frame that brought forth an ex-
clamation Of surprise and joy
Where did you get thiss" he cried;
"A lady sold it to me- replied the
dealer She had met with reverses
and"
DO you know where she got it,"
Yes She said the man who once
owned the original Of the horse in the
picture gave it TO her.
Willis secured the prize. and fastened
to his studio, painting the picture on
the wall' with haste and skill
It was LuciIe's birthday. She was
glaneing with a half pleasure and halt
hunor at the array of books. flowers
and confectionery that covered the il
brary table when a maid brought her in
a note
There is a great. big package just
come" she announced; shall I have IL
fetched in here?~
Wait" and Lucille opened the en-
velope and scanned the note.
oh. Ethel" she cried to her sister.
Paul Willis has sent me a picture
one he painted! Yes. Ito the nnaid5-
have them bring it in here and opened
here
She was not little excited and cur
ious. Paul was attracting notice in the
world of art and to possess one Of his
pictures was a privilege What would
the subject be?
When the final wrappings were re-
moved, she stood before it silent and
Her sister gave little cry of pleas
ure.
'.Oh. Lucille, I understand how he
could paint you. but how could he re-
member that picture-the one we all
loved so. and we were so provoked
when papa gave it away Why, Paul
was a mere child when he saw it,
The maid now brought in a second
package, small picture with explana-
tOfN iiVlE-
Lucille unpacked the portrait-the one
thing left to her from her old home
Later. VIXEN Paul Willis called he
found her still standing before the pic
ture he had painted. He stood beside
her as they had stood in their childhood,
only now she was gazing intently at
the picture, while his eyes were upon
her.
She began to fear lest he should hear
her heart beats.
Paul she said TREMENDOUSLY. 7 love
it SOL
''Lueile.' he said in low, passionate
tones. Lucille, love me, too. can't you?
have loved you so 1ongt"
Paul very softly. 7 have loved
you since the night at the ball"
.-Lucile,'
He gathered her in his arms.
But you were so cold-so Indifferent
always. LuciIel'' ne said presently
How could you hurt me sou
7 was afraid she rnurmured. ssthat
you did not really care I hoped you
did. and then I remembered your tone
once when you said: And this must be
little Lucille Felton, His laugh was
good TO hear
And the children so long separated
were again united.-New Orleans
Tines-Demecrat.