Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-10-09

"Of course III never SeI any IAihS'
I'll have to tell her that fiat, because
Ii she did come, and I hadn't thing,
she'd feel so badly for me that ia
-ather she was at home" he conhded
to Brook, one day.
Better let her come" replied
Brook, cheerfully. .'I'll bet my new
boots she doesn't care a hang about
the picture; it's you she wants to see
Maybe replied Billy, doubtfully.
well, I guess she'll come, anyway.
BY the way, what are You doing Tor
the exhibition"
"Oh. Just head in sepia; not much,
hut all I've got the energy for" replied
the lazy one, carelessly. What ab''lt
you?"
"I'm doing a portrait of an old lady.
at least she's not very old-its moth
er. you know
cit is? Well I suppose mustn't ask
to see tits against rules. I've got
to go now. anyway; so au revolf' olo
fellow" He picked up his cap and
opened the studio door AS he spoke,
but Billy pulled him back.
"Just a second. Brook. You Know
NV mother isn't swell; she's not
like yours" He paused .contusedly,
and then went on "She amt pretty,
but" he stumbled again. bllsnins to
the roots of his sandy hair--"she's my
mother and to me she's the mos beau.
tiful person in the world He waited
as if doubtful as to his friends reply,
but Brook answered heartily
"Bill. she's your mater, and that's
enough for me"
Billy held out his big paw. and in
moment the boys parted.
The weeks following were full OF
work for all the boys. Raphael coul1
scarcely be seen; Billy hardly tooR
time to eat; even lazy Brook had every
spare moment occupied; and, as to the
other boys, they few around, wilc
anxiety depicted on each countenance
The exhibition was the one theme o.
conversation. and all eyed the possible
winner, Raphael No. 2, with curious
eyes; but he, quiet, silent boy that ne
was, took little interest In anything d
ANYBODY outside of his own little
sphere, but worked patiently on. Bill
ly. on the contrary, was restless ant
unsatisfied with the result, but did no
dare to retouch it, lest he shoult
spoil it's few good points, so hung
around the studio and compared note
as to light, shade and expression ant
such like; with boys as doleful as him
self. Brook took a philosophical view
of life, and having no particular amb1
ton to win anything in the way o
!, scholarships, took upon himself tn
duty of comforting the rest OF tn
class, with the cheering assuranc
that he was perfectly certain everyon
had failed except himself. AS this di
not tend to enliven their spirits, the
relieved the week Of waiting befor
commencement by sightseeing wit
!, the different friends and relatives VIII
; had come to see what works Of al
their offsprings could turn out. Billy
mother was not to arrive till the fats
day Of announcement, SO when that mt
ment arrived, it was with rather a
anxious heart that he stood waiting fo
the train to come in. He eagerl
scanned each face as the crowd
surged through the barrier, in scare
of pain little face with loving eye
> under shabby bonnet At last, b
caught sight of ner-a little woma
with a timid air, holding firmly sma
satchel in one hand and with the othe
a bunch of bedragled flowers.
''Mother!" he cried, pushing his wa
through the crowd, "Mother!" Sh
turned, and he smiled down on he
his plain face almost glorified by low
my boy! Oh, my dear son!" sh
whispered falteringly, as he held he
close, crushing the dropping daisie
1t was over in minute, and soon the
: were whirling through the city, ST
holding closely to his arm and lookir
with loving pride into his face. Lea
ing her to rest in little room ne.
e his own, Billy made his way with bea
s ing heart to the Art School, where
: the big Assembly Hall the exhibitic
/. was being held. Hearing voices the
d he turned aside for second, ar
It found himself face to face with Broo
eI "Well?" he demanded, anxiously. II