Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1905-04-25
DAILY SHORT STORY
fcopyrignt. 1904. by T. C. Mcciure.s
AURORA's MODEL.

concealed the ugly outlines of unplaned
studding: wide divans. Uttered with
comfortable cushions, suggested luxu-
ri0us repose; euriously carved cabi-
net stood near one OF the windows. and
quaint brasses. cshdIesticks, tenders
and copper kettles were everywhere
There were orderly disorder and rest
full chaos
Under the wide north light sat Auro-
IA before an easel, her hair bristltng
with an imposing array OF scalpels and
brushes. On the canvas before her
an autumn landscape was slowly com
ing into being The landscape was not
Developing satisfactorily, and the seal
pels were being pressed into service
quite rs much as were the brushes.
The door opened, and Paul Radford
entered. He stood apologetically by
the door. smiling blandIy at the girl
before the easel.
Hello. Aurora" said he, with a
meekness becoming an intruder
Come i'll aud shut the door" said
verT-quiet. This is my busy day"
RadfOrd tossed his coat aud hat
upon d d1van. thrust his hands into his
pockets aud strobe over to the easel.
''Jove. Aurora, that's a stunning ma
rine." he observed.
It's not II marine said she testify
Its a landscape, autumn"
oh said he. Isn't that water in
the foreground"
That" said Aurora, scraping All
Overdone cloud zealously. will be a
COW when it's finished
Il beg the cows pardon, I'm sure"
said Radford. Il hope it's to be d red
COW. Aurora. I'm very partial TO red
cows
Please sit down. she snapped i'm
patiently. You'll find some maya
zines somewhere about" she ended
vaguely
Sorry, but 1 haven't time to look
for them he said. Besides. | came
here this afternoon to offer myself as
a model"
a model for what?" she asked
"Indolence:"
a model of sorrow" said he.
You don't look your part particu
larly." she remarked.
I'm consumed with it." he declared
gloomily.
How sad"' she said mockingly.
Radford retired to a divan in the
corner and settled comfortably on Il
pile of cushions
If you could transfer my sorrow tt
canvas. your name would be made"
he said.
Since when has this affection do
seconded upon YOU" she asked.
Since Tuesday afternoon at 30"
"Pshaw W" said Aurora, her eyes fixeG
on the landscape.
Its no 'pshawing matter with me,
said he. Your sixth refusal has filleG
me with gloom
Perhaps a seventh might hearteI
you II bit" she suggested maliciously
''There'll probably be u seventh be-
fore | leave" he returned respondent
ly.
about in her chair and regarded him
gravely.
Paul. why on earth can't you be
Sensible?" she asked. why can't you
be good friends with me without-oh,
spelling il ally
My dear Aurora" he explained sol
EMMY, IF Providence had intended
men to he sensible in your presence.
he would never have given you that
chin and those lips and
"Bosh," said Aurora coloriDg a bit.
Radford deserted the divan and
came over to the easel. He stood for
u time looking down at the girl
thOughtfully.
III make II compact with you" he
said at length. Tell me for the sew
enth time that you won't marry me,
and I'll see to it that It is the last"
And we'll be friends ever after?'
she said lightly.
NO. we won't he friends" he said.
except i'm name"
She shrugged her shoulders, but said
nothing.
Listen, Aurora Just say No once
more, and Ill take myself of. l won't
trouble you after that. I'll leave you
to your pes-and-and-the fell
low who is luckier than l."
She looked up. His face was very
grave. 1t was unlike him to be seri-
Gus. She felt a trifie alarmed
Now. Aurora" he said quietly. tell
me for the seventh time, and I'll 60"
Aurora made a pretense OF retouch-
ing the cloud
Il am waiting" be said patiently.
still she said nothing. Radford pick
ed up his hat and coat Then he again
took his stand by the easel
Are you going:" she said weakly.
As soon as YOU tell me-" said he.
Aurora arose deliberately from the
easel She went over TO the window
and began to clean her palette with a
scalpeL RadfOrd watched her, and his
eyes narrowed dangerously.
"Of course it means very little to
Won 4" he hurst ont hofly s.h,Yt II aaau,s