Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1906-01-19
looked SO dainty and winsome, in q

looked SO dainty and winsome, In q
cool, white dress, with n spray Of
hon~eysuckle nesting in her hair.
The sketches were duly commented
upon but when the one In particular
was reached, Bessie's cheeks grew
crimson, and looked inquiringly at
Gerald. she asked. "W.here were you
them
Not far away he replied, and as
she laughed, good naturcdly. he did
also.
That was the beginning of days that
seemed all too short for both. for the
idea of n chaperon did not present it.
self to the Misses Linton, and the
young people were free to roam about
as they chose.
In such close companionship, Gerald
fully realized what these days meant
to him.
He thought it would not be fair to
extract n promise from her before
she had had n chance to choos for
herself, among others more worthy
than he. At times he feared for such
opportunities to come. Then, again
from some little word or sign, perhaps
unconscious with her, he would see
that she cared for him more than she
| knew, and he would take fresh cour-
age.
In one respect he was correct, for
Bessie had not analyzed her feelings
for him, But When the day c6Ine for
him to leave, and she thought of the
future without him, her heart grew
| faint, and she realized that she cared
| for him more than as n riend.
People wondered why the belle. Miss
| Linton, did not marry. 1t was strange,
| indeed, for she had had scores Of
| splendid offers, but for some unknown
| reason refused each sutton.
During these years h had not
| heard from Gerald Holt except
through his family and the press. He
had won a great name, was looked
| upon as the best artist Of the city, his
| pictures had met with the warmest
enthusiasm and been purchased by
| connoisseurs Of both lands.
When it became known that he was
to return to his home, society and the
world Of artists made preparations to
receive him. Arrangements were made
for a public exhibition Of his works,
and it's opening was q marked success.
The artist, however, did not make
his appearance until early one morn
ing. There was a number Of people
present, but his quick eye scanned
them all, and at last rested on II
figure he remembered so well.
CL1 TN bod nnna carly nc cho
wished to be alone when looking upon
the pictures she had been so anxious
to see. Among the many that graced
the walls she recognized not a few
familiar scenes, and her heart beat
rapidly to know that the days Of long
ago had not beer forgotten.
The gem of the collection, however,
was surrounded by a number Of peo-
pie, and when they had departed she
took a seat on one of the benches near
it.
and 10, the little sketch had grown in
to magnificent proportions. She re-
membered, then, Of reading that the
artist had refused fabulous sums for
it, preferring to retain 1t for his own.
She was so occupied with her W
thoughts that she did not know any
one was watching her. He stood gaZ-
ing at her loneliness, and when she
passed her glove over her eyes, came
and sat down by her.
dc you like it, then?' he asked.
Bessie looked up quickly, and saw
the one Of whom she had never ceased
thinking. Her face grew rosy with
bushes, but her eyes sparkled as she
replied: "How could I help it"
docs it not prove to you that there
has only been one woman to me since
1 met you? l know it must, and now
that l have waited sc long, do you
not think that I am entitled to my
original model?
She looked up roguishly, and casting
a side glance at the picture, replied, as
she slipped her hand in his: Il really
hope you do not mean the geese
Philadelphia Item. N "'s"s