Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1904-09-29

once she started suddenly from
Hates side, and, darting quickly
across the road, stopped short in front
of gentleman who was passing; but
a moment atferward she was back
with Kate, and her face wore a dis
appointed and dispirited expression.
did you think you saw some one
you knew" Kate asked, innocentiy,
and was sorry the pext moment that
she aad put the question, for Jess
turned upon her with a stern bitter
ness.
YES" she said. in deep voice
But it was not; it never is. But it
will be some day-some day."
During a portion of the day, some
times for nearly ali the day, Jess was
out filling her engagements as an
artists model, and then Kate was
left alone. Heaven knows what
thoughts filed her mind as she sat
at these times over her work; but now
and again Jess found a spot of
moisture on the costumes, and knew
that it was tear.
and, as Kate had said, she was at
peace. No one but Jess ever entered
the room; the outer world was as com
pletely shut out as if she had been in
prison, and she lived altogether in the
past
Between the two girls an attach
ment sprang up, or rather grew
gradually-a strong and deep attach.
ment. Jess was never tender or
affectionate, and there were times
when she would sit in silence, with
her dark brows drawn fiercely; but
she was always gentle to the beautiful
girl she had succored and protected,
and watched over her as devotedly as
an elderly sister could have done.
One evening about six weeks later
the two sat at work. Kate was max,
ing drawing of costume for Marie
Antoinette, and Jess Playford was
mending a rent in her dress. They
had been working in silence for half
an hour or SO, for one of her dark
fits was upon Jess, and Kate every
now and then looked up pityingly at
the heavy brows and smoldering eyes.
Suddenly Jess dropped her hands
upon the table, and, rising abruptly
began to pace up and down.
Kate just glanced at her.
rs anything the matter, JESSE" she
asked, in her sweet voice. Are you
i'll? Why don't you put your work
away and rest awhile? Come and look
at my drawing; you like to watch me
sometimes, you know" for Jess would
often sit, with her head resting on hef
hands, and her eyes fixed intently
upon Hates white, supple fingers as
they moved over the paper.
Yes, yes-sometimes, she said, In
a quick, nervous voice; but not now!
l can't work or sit down tonight.
Don't mind NEEDN'T notice me
Forgive me, Jess" murmured
Kate; but it makes my heart ache to
see you so unhappy. l know you are
unhappy"
Jess laughed and pushed the thick
black hair from her forehead.
Unhappy! Yes, and l deserve to
be-" she exclaimed, in suppressed
voice. Il am never anything else, nor
shall be, until" she broke off SUD
denly. But | am worse tonight
This room seems sitting; feel chok
ing, and as if must go out. AS if
she stopped again, and looked at Kate
frowningly. Did you ever have what
people call a presentiment, Kata-as
If what you had been looking for and
longing for for years was near a,
hand?"
Kate leaned her head upon her hand
; and thought moment.
Yes, something like it, she said
|, But it never comes true, does it?'
and she smiled the sad smile of the
weary heart.
No, scarcely ever; but the PRESENT.
ment is there. all the same l fee,
|, it to night; it is strong upon me; il
seems to be drawing me out into the
, air" And she began to pace up and
down again.
Kate watched her with deep sym
: patty.
why don't you go out for little
walk, dear Jess? The room does seen
, hot to you, l dare say. l am used te
| it. Go out for little walk in the
, fresh air. You will come back sc
much BETTER
Jess smiled bitterly.
DO you think so?" she said. Yes
will go. ~ any rate, il is not fittins
and proper that l should worry yor
with my black fits. But if you
knew"
Il know that you have had some
great trouble, and that it casts q
} shadow over you at times, dear" sait
Kate, gently, and she put out heI
hand and laid it softly and soothingly
upon Jess's arm.
She shook ii off with an impatient
| nervous gesture.
You have suffered, too; but you
bear it. You are a lady, and l am
/. only one of the common people
That's the reason
Il suffer for my own folly" muir