The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-07-20
aren't your"
Reginald drew himself up to his full
height and bowed.
''Papa's coming presently"
'fAlasi" he sighed.
etentious appearance.


height and bowed.
"Papa's coming presently"
"Alas!" he sighed.
g. to give you a commission to
paint me- continued the girl, severely.
He saw a picture of yours round at
Mr.. Isaacs. which was the image of
me-
inald, fearing the young lady might ask
announcement questions about this pic
ture.
Hes coming along Perhaps he's
lost his way she answered, carelessly.
"I'll go and see if can find him.
cried Reginald. anxious to think out a
passable explanation as to his painting.
Before the girl had time to answer
he left the room to seek the solitude so,
necessary for earnest thought.
When he returned strange picture
met his eye
The fair invalid, flushed and indig-
nant, was standing in the farthest cor
ner of the room, while one of Reginald's
fellow painters sat. detected heap, on
the table.
ME- Vernham," cried the girl,
breathlessly, II insist on leaving this
room at once! That cad has tnsulted
"a Pom my word Il bsvefl't said Fang
thing protested his neighbor- 7
thought she was a model
shes not sid Reginald, shortly.
opening the door.
But you're alwyS painting her..
mo, I'm not. Get Quit"
But really -"
Get out!'' shouted Reginald.
What did the brute say?" he in
quired as the astonished man left the
room.
1T wasn't what he said. it was the
way he said it," explained the girl
tearfully. "He-he kept his hat on and
called me my dear
Even if I had been a model-Do you
ever take your models out to lunch?'
sha asked, suddenly, drying her eyes.
Great Scott, nor cried Reginald,
astounded at the very idea.
He wanted to-
Reginald endeavored to look suit
ably shocked
1.-The ideal" he murmured.
Wont you sit down again?' he con-
tinued. You'll hurt your ankle stand
ing. Besides, it wasn't my fault he
came in, you know
ignoring these remarks, the girl limp
ed over to the larger easel, and stood
looking at the canvas.
WHO is she?' she queried, as Regi-
maid looked at her deprecatingly shes
the model that man took me for l sup
pose,'' she resumed, gazing intently at
the picture. She is rather like. Well,
who is she?"
Reginald feebly. She's my ideal wom-
an he explained, as the girl looked at
him curiously. II imagined the most
beautiful face I could and then l drew
ner. AS you say, SHe 10 Ndlher Ahc
80 that" began the girl. and
sit down, do" said Reginald, avert
The girl went over slowly to the
chair, and sat down with sigh of re-
lief. AS her eyes wandered from the
easel to Reginald's back. she began to
smile Mr.. Vernham," she said, softly
Reginald looked round from the table,
from which he was clearing the litter.
about this picture"
"Ah! yes" he said; "of course, about
the picture"
Papa was so struck by the likeness
that he got your address from Mr. Isaac
and was going to get you to paint me"
'Yes?" murnured Reginald, interro-
gatively, as she paused.
Isaac told him you were rather-l
mean, he told papa he didn't think you'd
mind coming down to our place to DO
the painting. We don't i've IN town,
you know"
Reginald looked at her downcast eyes
and flushed slightly.
You mean you don't want me to
come down after this?'' he queried-
~, opening her eyes.
After what I've told you. I mean
after-well, yes, after what I've tod
you he ended, desperately.
That is for you to decide" said the
girl, without looking at him.
Going across the room, Reginald took
canvas from a STACK against the
wall. 1t was facsimile of the one on
the easel.
''An the rest are the same he said,
replacing it, Its rather for you to
tell me your wishes I think
rs that papa's step? said the girl,
suddenly swapping the tension
Reginald paused with his hand on the
knob of the door.
''Well?'' he said.
Papa will be awfully disappointed
if you don't come" she replied, softly. |
Reginald threw open the door as the
footsteps paused outside.
''At last!" he cried.-London Free
Lance.
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