Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1905-06-08
MODEL

garrett, but under Aurora's magic r.
was transformed into a decidedly at
tractive studio. Tapestry hangines
concealed the ugly outlines of unplaned
studding; wide divans, Uttered with
comfortable cushions, suggested luxu-
nous repose; a %curiously carved cabi-
net stood near n Of the windows, and
quaint brasses, candlesticks. tenders
and copper kettles were everywhere.
There were orderly disorder and rest
full chaos.
Under the wide north light sat Auro.
ia Defore an easel. her hair bristling
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 as much as were the brushes.
The door opened, and Paul Radford
entered. He stood apologetically by
the door, smiling blandly at the girl
before the easel.
Hello, Aurora" said he, with a
meekness becoming an intruder.
Come in and shut the door," said
Aurora. "You must sit down and be
very quiet. This is my busy day."
Radford tossed his coat and hat
upon a divan, thrust his hands into his
pockets and strobe over to the easel.
"Jove, Aurora, that's a stunning ma
rine!" he observed.
Its not a marine," said she testify;
Its a landscape, autumn"
ooh" said he. isn't that water in
the foreground"
THAT" said Aurora, scraping an
overdone cloud zealously, twill be a
COW when it's finished"
II beg the cows pardon, I'm sure"
said Radford. II hope it's to be a red
COW, Aurora. I'm very partial to red
cows"
"Please sit down." she snapped i'm
patiently. you'll find some maya
n somewhere about" she ended
vaguely.
"Sorry, but I haven't time to look
for them," he said. Besides, I 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." be declared
gloomily.
"How sad!v' she said mockingly.
Radford retired to a divan in the
corner and settled comfortably on a
pile Of cushions.
IF you could transfer my sorrow to
canvas, your name would be made"
he said.
"Since when has this affection de.
scended upon your she asked.
"Since Tuesday afternoon at 4:30."
"Pshaw" said Aurora, her eyes fixed
on the landscape.
"It's no 'pshawing' matter with me-"
said he. "Your sixth refusal has filled
me with gloom"
Perhaps a seventh might hearten
you a Bit" she suggested maliciously.
"There'll probably be a seventh be-
fore I leave" he returned respondent
~.
Aurora laughed; then she turned
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 it ALI"
my dear Aurora" he explained sol
EMMY, "if Providence had intended
men to be sensible in your presence,
he would never have given you that
chin and those lips and
"Boshw said Aurora, coloring a bit.
Radford deserted the divan and
came over to the easel. He stood for
a time looking down at the girl
thoughtfully.
Iii make a OLupdCI Will you, ue
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 be friends" he said,
except in name"
She shrugged her shoulders, but said
nothing.
Listen, Aurora. Just say NO once
more, and I'll take myself Off. l won't
trouble you after that. I'll leave you
to your Observation-Disclosures EEL
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 trife 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.
81 am waiting" he said patiently.
Still she said nothing. Radford pick
ed up his hat and coat. Then he again
took his stand by the easel.
sA,o x-o,, uoinp o1 Sha said weakly.