Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1903-02-19
THE PORTRAIT
A SHORT STORY.

ne young man dIoSS'
You will permit me to make III.
adieus." he said as he faced the youil'
girl Il am We'll aware of your father
prejudice against young men, ana
realize that l was very rash in Gaining
here tonight. Luckily-for me, at leas
he has not yet returned, but l nave
premonition that he will be back Yer.
soon.
The young girl arose and came lltt
forward.
Il admire your discretion. Mr.. Ban
croft she said, land only regret ina
you find it necessary to exercise ~
Father is the dearest and most maui
gent father in the world. but ne is
little peculiar about my acquaintance
More especially my young men ac
quaintances.
Have you many?" the youth hastll!
asked, as she hesitated.
Il haven't any the girl replied. "A
least not any calling acquaintance.
1T is position that any young MAJ
of taste would gladly monopolize,' sale
the youth
The girl blushed prettily.
Papa is a deadly foe to all monopo'
lies" she said. You see he thinks an
quite too young to have callers. Ant
then he seems prejudiced against al
young men, ;.
But he doesn't know us all" put II
the youth.
He appears to be guided by the sam
pies he has met" said the girl. ANY
way, he thinks I'm too young for sucf
luxuries-Tm only Is, you know. Ane
then-then there's the money. you see
Papa has an idea that nobody wouie
look at me twice il it wasn't for his
bank stock"
The young man took step forward.
you tell your respected papa, NJ
began, "that-but there, know YOU
wouldn't do it,"
II suppose you want to compliment
me-" said the girl, land am quite
grateful, assure you. l love compll-
ments. 1 suppose it's because l get sc
few"
Il would like 20 drop in some even
ing, said the w ,th land supply the
def acy. But ear 1T wouldn't be
safe.
II know 1t wouldn't, said the girl.
He drew little nearer the hall door
the girl close behind him.
Don't forget to send me those photo
graphs of the old spring where we firs1
met" she said. do you know when
saw you up there in the mountains.
took you for one of these six-for-a-
quarter wandering photographers?
And / promptly took you for moth
ing" laughed the youth.
I'D like to ask you to call again.
said the girl. 1T would only be polite
suppose"
I'm afraid I should take 1T in earn
est" murmured the youth.
But, anyway, send me your photo
graphs
and my Photographic"
The girl blushed and they both
laughed.
IL have no place to hide it, she said
Then they laughed again.
But why should your father admit
the mails and bar the males?" inquired
the youth.
How dreadful" said the girl. IF you
will send the pictures early in the
morning they will get here in the af-
eSi'iCOii NASAA papa 1911 lloHiC.
Il feel" said the youth, las If We're
engaged in some conspiracy. I never
tried to circumvent anybody before I'd
much rather go to your father and say,
Sir desire to call on your daughter.
State your objections and let us have
it out now and here"
Papa would wither you with a
glance
He must be human sirocco. But
I'd do it, wither or no. wonder what
you think of me, Miss Alice 2"
II think you are very bold young
man.
To basely desert the-the field of
battle at 8 o'clock. But there. He who
says good night and runs away, may
live to come again-fd really like to
meet your father. Yes. would. I'm not
as scared as l look. / wish he were
here at this very moment. Yes, do"
There was an ominous clicking at the
outer door. The youth started and the
young girl turned pale. She looked
about wildly. as if seeking hiding
place. But the youth held his ground.
And then the door flew open and a
stout man with gray whiskers stepped
into the hall and stalked between the
draperies that hung in the parlor arch
way.
He paused for moment and glanced
at the youth. Then his glance sought
his daughter.
Who is this-this persona" he de-
He looked back at the youth. The lat
ter meeting his glance, gravely bowed
as If acknowledging a recognition.
The girl, blushing holly, caught her
breath.
why, papa. dear" she said, "you
have spoiled my little plot
Your plot! What plot?"
That's what I'm going to explain.
You see, had little surprise for you"
Il see" growled the old man as he
looked back at the youth.
Il mean that I was going to have
ny-my portrait made to give you on
christmas-and this-this gentleman is
the artist. He came to make the ar
rangement. He couldn't come at any
other time. He is so busy-and, as you
see, he was just going when you came
ln-so unluckily. Mr.. Plates, papa
papa, Mr. Plates"
The old man looked at the youth and
slightly snorted. but the young man
bowed low.
An artist, eh?"
Yes, papa the girl quickly replied.
And he is said to be very good one.
He was recommended to me when
vas at that mountain resort with Aunt
emily"
"Eh! Who recommended him."