Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1904-06-25

IL was some mOnlnS NlteTWuiu w"
Violet was calling Oh Mrs. Mapletol
in Park Lane. She was introduced AM
found herself sitting next to n MAJ
whose name she did not catch, There
were few people in the rooms, and &C
cordingly conversation became more
or less easy,
The subject drifted to artlsts-aftel
the theatres and such topics had beer
exhausted; and she asked him why art
lists were always so slovenly.
"Slovenly?' he said, smiling. rs
that an inyarlable ruler
~ have always found 1t So" she re
piled.
"Then I expect artists have known
you better than you have known
them"
How do you mean?' she asked,
"Well, you couldn't have seen many
nrtists-whereas many artists nave
seen you. Now, try to pride myself
Oh the fact that am not slovenly.
really dislike dirt"
But are you an artist"
"Sometimes hope so-and, some
times | am told so.'
"Oh, am so sorry. ] shall never
generalize again"
"You are generalizlng even when you
say that"
She smiled amusedly.
"Do you mind If | ask your name!
she said. "Tm afraid when Mrs. Ma
pleton introduced you that l didn't
quite catch it,
"Staines," he replied. "Quite I'M
known to you. of course. In fact II
You told me was not an artist, l could
not contradict you"
"Where do you exhibit" she said.
She noticed that the blood flushed 10
his face, and in one instant her instinct
tvld her that it was he who had
painted the portrait Of her at the
Bohemian Gallery.
81 think | must ,d na9iye uSf6re SfSs had
time to reply. Didn't you exhibit at
the Bohemian Gallery-'The Study of
a Beauty I think you called the pic
ture" And then she in turn flushed.
GLOW did you know he asked.
PRODUCTIONS. You see, you had put
your initials on the picture"
eyes, that was foolish Of me-"
"Why?'
"Bccause-well. because it was dar-
ing. when l had not obtained your
leave"
"But how did you do It without me
to sit for you?" she asked.
Forgive me if l would rather not
say" he said.
She saw that he felt very much EN-
barrasSed.
"Well. is 1t still not for sale?" she
asked, after a moments pause.
Eyes. 1t will never be sold"
"You wouldn't sell it to me If
offered you-well, any price for it,"
"No. Please don't ask me. I'm
afraid that couldn't"
Violet reapsed into silence. She
felt that he was memorable. At this
moment the hostess separated them.
A beauty's time at reception is not
her own.
She held out her hand when saying
good.by to him.
"YOu must come and see my father"
she said. "He will be very pleased to
meet you. Don't sell It," she added.
"No," he replied, determinedly. "For.
to tell the truth, l would far sooner
give it."
A few days Afterward he called: and
after that followed an invitation to
dinner. AS they sat over their nuts,
Sir Wilfrd turned to his guest.
"Tell me-" he said. "how you man
aged those marvellous sketches Of my
daughter?"
He looked IN Mt the picture, which
was now in his possession.
"I'd rather not" stat = $ replied.
~ would rather you did" Sir Wilfrid
said, smiling.
"Well." lie said. at length. 81 went
to every place where l knew that l
should see her, and made studies of
every attitude and every feature; then
took them home to improve upon with
my memory. I have hundreds more"
he added. laughingly.
Him" said Sir Wilfrid. "And what
made you so fascinated with her-eh :"
Staines' face was scarlet in a
moment. "I'm not the only one who
has felt the same, sir" he said, awk-
wardly.
You mean that you-you love herr"
Sir Wilfrid said gruttly, but not UNI
kindly.
81 should only be afraid to tell her
So" he replied.
Sir Wilfrid lit cigar "Well, she's in
the drawing room" he said. shortly.
You'd better go along and see whether
she's afraid to hear It,"
Another wonderful portrait of Sir
Wilfrid I.owry's only dau Glitter was in
the Academy the following Yearly
| her husband.-New York Weekly.
MOUNTAINS IN JAPAN.
They Rival In Panorama the Scenery OF
Switzerland.