Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1904-11-18
The IDtaceSSIOl OIL The Child.
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( NY luck, Duke?"

|
their-studio, they termed it, but as
matter Of fact it was their garret
and the only room they had.
He shook his head wearily as he
placed the canvases on the table.
"The dealers are full up, and
haven't sold one."
Never mind" she answered, tender
ly-'luck must change soon."
Heaven only knows that ours has
been black enough since we married"
Dearest" she said, reproachfully.
and she gathered closer to her breast
lhe sleeping child, whose face was so
dear to her, with the blue eyes of her
husband and tits halo of fair, curling
locks, there is little Ruth"
Marmaduke Seton gazed moodily
into the fire. His thoughts were far
from pleasant ones. Until four years
ago he had never known that dread
feeling of want His father, Sir Mar
maduke Seton, very wealthy man,
had completely spoiled him. Not
wish remained unsatisfed, and his al
lowance was a princely one.
This bringing up had the usual re-
suit. Duke made up his mind that he
was an artist and nothing would shake
him in this connection.
Not even the threat of his fathers
dire displeasure would persuade him
to throw down his brush.
There Is no doubt that in time Sir
Marmaduke would have relented and
have countenanced his son. In his ar
tistic ambition, but as luck would have
1t, Duke went into the country to paint
landscapes. There he met Ruth, his
wife, the daughter Of the vicar, and at
once proceeded to make love. A few
weeks afterward he proposed to her
and was accepted.
Sir Marmaduke did not rage when
the engagement was announced to
him. He wrote few lines.
Marry this girl and l have done
with you. Not sou will you have
The choice remains with you"
Duke did make his choice and mar.
ried. The inevitable occurred and lit
tie Ruth was the crowning blessing to
a happy marriage. Not for two years
did they begin to feel the pinch of
poverty. The ready money which he
had and the realization Of his jewelry
kept them going for that length of
time. But the last six months had
been a weary fight with starvation.
Their Studio" cost them four shil-
llngs a week-an attic off the Grays
Inn road-and their food cost them Of
ten less. Their thin faces and wearied
smiles were speaking evidence of their
life. But little Ruth's bonny face bore
signs of a mothers love and care.
There is plenty of lard and pota-
toes, let us fry them," Ruth said,
cheerfully, as she placed the child on
her bed.
The next morning they We're awak-
ened by the child's chatter. The sun
was shining brilliantly through the
windows of the roof.
Il will go the rounds again." he
said, as he took up his canvases. 81
viii be back soon with your breakfast,
hope, darling. Goodbye, little one"
There We're tears in his eyes as he
leaned to kiss his little girl.
His wife stood looking at the open
doorway, through which her husband
had disappeared. Then, with a sigh,
she started cleaning their room.
The little one looked OH for a while.
In few moments she grew tired and
wandered to the landing head. She
walked down few steps.
Her mother went on with her work.
now and then stopping for moment
to dash the streaming tears from her
eyes.
Little Ruth reached the street.
Which way did dad go?" she lisped
to herself.
After a moments hesitation she
turned to the left. A hundred yards
ahead she reached Theobald's road
and toddled along in the direction of
Oxford street.
81 find him soon-dad, dear dad. He
Is crying, poor dad" she murmured
| A sudden run to cross the street, a
Shrek, the pulling up Of horses, and
the little one lay motionless in the
arms of kindly policeman. A quar-
ter, OF an hour afterward she was be-
ing attended to by the house surgeon
OF neighboring hospital.
"A simple fracture Of the arm" he