The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1906-02-27
Painting
Wlnona
BY ETHEL HARRINGTON
Copyright, 1905, bu Mcclure, PhIiItps d Co.

Quired, standing bareheaded before the
vision
"Folks sometimes stay at the farm
houses"
ANY you particularly recommends
"None," was the laconic answer. The
young fellow laughed, noting the dis
content that dimmed the girls real
beauty. How about that oner indi-
eating a red chimney that showed
among the trees.
81 live there It's no worse than the
rest"
"It has attractions that the others
Jack" he declared CALAMITY, but the
compliment flew wide OF its aim. "wili
you accompany me to present my
causeT
Silently the girl acquiesced, keeping
a little In advance; then, suddenly wait
ing for him to join her, she began to
talk rapidly Her eyes never wavered
from the advancing figure Of man, q
farmer from his dress, who with q
switch dashed modify at the goldenrod
and passed without a word. the rising
color above the loose collar alone be-
traying his consciousness Of their pres
ence. After he had gone the girl fell
again into silence.
She left the artist on the wide porch
and sent her mother to interview the
stranger Clay promptly accepted the
terms and was soon smoking in home
like ease. wondering how he might
persuade the girl to let him paint her,
his fingers already itching to be at
| work.
During supper, which he shared with
the family, Clay endeavored to draw
Winona-he had discovered that to be
her name-into conversation, but she
repealed such advances with monosyl-
tables. One Of her brothers chaffed her
on her Ill humor, arousing her to sharp
retort, whereat he laughed roughly.
fortunes soured sis's temper. Fun
ny how some folks can't stand good
luck"
Later Clay found her leaning against
the trellis where the vines still chung.
II congratulate you on being an heir
ess. Independence is not the least gift
that riches confer"
The girl raised her head rebelliously.
why should Aunt Liza give me her
money? don't want it. hardly ever
saw her and cared less. What right
had she to spoil my ifer Her voice
vibrated with resentment, and q low
whistle escaped Clay.
Truly an unusual view to take. II
you are in trouble possibly 1 can help
you. I'd like to try"
Winona shook her head. Guess no
one can"
what about the fellow we metz A
chance shot, but it made the color
surge painfully to the girls face,
though she kept silent.
81 stayed over to paint a picture, :"
proceeded the artist, abruptly chang
ing the topic. Pm going to try for
the rioting splendor of a New England
fall, and-I want you in the shadow Of
the maples-just as you were today"
IF it depends on me you may as well
give up your picture"
'It would mean good deal to me-"
II don't hold with SUCH" returned
the girl indifferently and went indoors
Musing, Clay continued to pull at his
brier. 1t took a good deal to discour-
age him. The subject was an inspira-
ton. He would paint now as before he
only dreamed Of doing. On the NOR
row he would sketch the girl from
memory-her pose and coloring were
photographed on his brain-and then
go to work on the background.
But as the week passed he found
himself no nearer his object. Winona,
who now conversed on ordinary top
les. was dumb when he advanced the
picture, nor did he gain in her conf
dence regarding her personal affairs
1t was from her mother, Mrs. Eager,
that he learned the facts.
Previous to her aunt's death Winona
had kept company"-the local phras-
ing for courtship -with Keith Adams,
but there had been no formal engage
ment, for which fact the mother now
re1oiced, as with her improved pros
poets the girl might do much better.
Mrs. Eager herself had privately ad-
mtnistered some broad hints to the as
pirtng farmer, which he had apparent
ly accepted. Did Winona care? Well,
she supposed that Winona thought she
did, but she was young enough to have
a dozen fancies before coming into con-
troll of her money. 1t was her duty to
marry well and help her brothers and
sisters.
I'm told you are not ambitious" re-
marked Clay that evening, causing WI
mona to fare up Unexpectedly.
Il want nothing but to be let alone
II l had the money now I'd give 1t to
you-to any one-who'd go away and
never let me hear Of it again" Her
voice choked suddenly and, covering
her face, she sobbed with an abandon
and passion that Clay never had seen
before.
He felt uncomfortable, hike all men
when confronted with women's tears
But he wanted to help her Above all
things he wanted his picture. Impul-
sively he whispered suggestion, a
hint for their mutual benefit. At first
she made no sign of having heard. but
little by little she grew calm and as
he finished caught eagerly at his hands.
You are right, of coursel' she cried.
who ever won anything by mopingT
When she retired Clay sat lost In
meditation Its playing with fire, but
the pictures worth it" was Ids verdict
From that night the girls demeanor
changed. During the long autumn days
she posed for the painter beneath the
naples and chatted gayly with him at
dusk on the porch, but always where
her red gown might be seen by one
passing on the road Her mother smiled
knowingly at the neighborIy gossip that
reached her ear
Meanwhile the picture grew, and
Clay knew 1t was the best he ever had
done. though the exquisite tints of the
girlish face were his despair, and the
sweet companlonship caused the mem
Org Of a certain compact to dim.
| Each day the young farmer passed
and repassed, and the more depressed
he seemed the more gayly Winona's
laugh pursued him on his way.
One morning Clay was putting finish
ing touches on the foliage when a
shadow darkened his canvas. Glanc-
ing up, expecting Winona, who was to
join him, he encountered the angry
gaze Of Keith Adams. For a moment
neither spoke; then all the pent up
jealousy and rage broke forth in the
lover.
"How dare you paint her, making her
name and face alike commonT'
who are your" inquired Clay coolly.
Il speak as man to man." replied the