The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1904-08-26

he explained 81 might give you the
slip, and come back and work on it.
That was day of days. Winter
reigned kindly. They crossed the
river, and spent the afternoon in the
woods and along the edge of the
marshes, returning long after the city
was aglow. They had dinner at cafe,
for when one has finished a picture
that is to bring fame and wealth econ
omy is sinful thing. Back in her
studio they talked until late, and life
was very kind and sweet.
The windows were gray with the
cold dawn when he awoke suddenly,
and stared about him. In moment
he was out of bed and had thrown open
the hall door. Smoke, thick and
sitting, drifted in. At the bottom of
the staircase-well orange light danced
and glowed. Throwing his clothes on,
he lifted the picture from the easel,
and staggered with it down the first
flight. The smoke made him choke
and gasp. The next flight was miles
long. At the bottom he dropped the
picture and as it toppled against the
baluster he leaped to Beth's door and
knocked loudly.
who is there?" came the question
at once.
Its Mr.. Timson The house is on
fire. There's no danger, of course, but
you must come quickly"
eyes," she answered, family.
He buried his face in his elbow,
leaning against the wall. Once he
started impetuously toward the pic
ture, only to turn back. The cracking
of the flames drowned now even the
noise at the door. Then Beth stood be-
fore him, white-faced, anxious-eyed,
but unafraid.
Down the stairs, quick!" he cried.
"I'll follow YOU"
you mustn't stay!" she cried, fear
fully.
"The picture" he answered. go,
please" He seized his burden again,
and staggered down the hall, gasping
and lurching. There he found her
crouching on the top step. He put the
picture aside, and caught her in his
arms.
Hide your face" he said.
She struggled, sobbing. mo, no!
Let me go! You mustn't leave it,"
'T'll come back for it," he answered,
quietly. Courage, little girl; it's just
for a minute"
Then he plunged down the stairs,
past writing tongues of flame. Set
ting Beth upon her feet, he led her
across the street. On the stoop he
turned. 81 must go back" he said,
gently. 81 won't be long"
She waited and watched, fearful and
wretched for his sake. Presently he
returned, empty-handed.
1T was no use," he explained. "The
halls are in fames."
''Oh," she moaned, 81 wish you had
never seen me! It's gone-all your
work-and hope!" She glanced up
miserably, to find his grave eyes smil-
ing.
Hush, hush," he whispered, ten
derby. 1--WE saved what wanted most,
dear"
The color fiared into her white face,
and she swayed dizzily until his arm
went out and drew her to him.
Beth" he whispered.
She raised her eyes slowly to his.
They looked, he thought, like pale dew
wet violets. He bent his face, her lids
fluttered down, and their lips met.
Little girl he said presently,
we're pretty well cleaned out, you and
l, aren't WEI"
YES" she answered, softly.
They looked at each other, and
smiled as though it were the most de-
licious humor.
ct wouldn't matter if only you could
have saved the picture" she said, dole
fully.
Never mind the picture" he replied,
steadily. ''I'll do it again, and better"
Then he whispered, '1ook."
Above the sleeping city, toward the
east, a faint rose-flush was dispelling
the dawn's gray gloom.
"a new day out of the embers of the
night" she said, softly.
He bent again and kissed her. "And
for us, dear, new life out of the
ashes of the old Copyright, 1904, by
Woman's Home Companion. Published
by permisSiOn.