Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1906-08-23
Fiction

4
was truthful enough. She was not
sure of herself. Her small
triumphs, her serious worships, could
not continue if
IL am on the hanging committee"
McWhinnie said abruptly.
Then Oh, Guardy, IL Paul
could realize his dreams! No, no; /
am not trying to suborn you. You are
| adamant, know. But-you will cry
out upon me again for discipleship-
but he is so fearful of not getting
fair play. He is quite sure Of the
merit of his picture"
HE would be-" McWhittie said
grimly.
you know that he is clever-that
was harsh, Guardy. That history of
Burlington house is not without
faint. You are slaves to tradition.
And he is what you term a revolu
| tionary."
'He shall have fair play" McWhin-
| ME said soberly. He spoke with
more solemnity than his words seem
ed to demand. "And now" he add.
| ed In lighter manner, tell me OF
your doings and your goings, your
successes and your engagements"
Going home to his studio he unused
somewhat bitterly on the selfishness
of youth.
God knows | want no thanks" ran
his thoughts, "but If she only did not
take everything for granted-if heI
smile of thanks were less perfume
tory! | work for her-a sincere
pleasure-but---. Her glance has
no warmth for me as it has for
Youth to youth-it is a natural law
and | am to old to rebel If" He
trailed off into visionary glories.
Paul Worden came to Estelle with
the news that his picture was ac
cepted. He was excited, full OF
anticipatory triumph, suggesting
much, adopting proprietary airs
which half thrilled her. but which
also awoke some slight feeling OF
resentment. He had not spoken, she
had consented to nothing, he was
too sure of her. But her womanli.
ness demanded some concession OF
distrust on his part.
ut may not be hung" he suggested
suddenly. The idea had not crossed
him before. 1t came now as a cold
douche,
ut will be hung" she said quietly
you don't understand, Estelle," he
answered. more pictures are &C.
cepted than can be hung. Some must
come back, mine may. 1t is large
canvas. IL am almost afraid to
hope. 1t means-shall | say that
think you know what 1t means to
me?' She held her head lower at
means freedom to me to choose my
own way. 1t means life, and ease,
and--I dare not say-not yet. II it
should come backl The hanging
committee" He stopped and stared
at her with frightened eyes. 81 for
got McWhinnie is on the hanging
committed"
YES" Estelle smiled.
ut will not be hung" he said in
rather q hushed voice.
you were his pupil-he is kind,
she protested
1T will not be hung" he repeated,
dire conviction in his voice. He is
kind-to you"
You are wronging him. Paul.
| "nnp't Won lspnurof ba lAnlal az
her wonderingly. "Estelle, you are
not so blind that you do not see
that he loves you?''
He? Guardy? Paul, you have NO
right to say"
"Oh, there is no question of right
now. l have been fool. forgot
that he was on that committee. He
is in love with you. Do you see the
position? If am hung and make
a success shall II l get fair play
lit means Oh. Estelle, what does
1t not mean to me--to us? He Is to
Judge my work-and he loves you,"
1T is preposterous. she said
holding up shamed face. Even as
she spoke she knew 1t was not
preposterous.
1T is not" he said. II have
known II for long time"
What is your picture called?" she
asked. you have not told me-
purposely so. | think"
Yes. purposely So" His voice
was detected. You may know now
II Is called The Choice"
1.-The Choice!' she whispered
There was world of suggestion in
the title. She caught at II quickly
lit was curious that she had been SO
fully aware of Paul's devotion and yet
! blind TO Mcwhinnie's love.
Paul warden's picture, "The
Choice" was hung on the line, to the
establishment of many. 1t is not
often that young artist is so often
| distinguished.
Estelle alone stood before the pic
ture at the private view. Paul would
not so with her,
Il want YOU to see II alone. Why!
A whim--you will understand wher
| gs