Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1907-12-04

uludAy udH1 even IuOuSu ne WdS al
artist.
She was not ten minutes in Fred
Wilkinson's company until she was
wondering, nay, asking herself in
amazement, the secret of his devo-
ton TO Bessie.
Fred Wilkinson, on the other hand,
thought he had never seen a more
handsome girl, and concluded that
Bessie had not overstated Elias per-
Sonal charms. Her carriage, the
poise of her head and its shape, were
all alike striking. What a model she
would make. he thought, and before
the evening was ended he had asked
her to sit for him. Bessie was de-
lighted to hear them talk, delighted
with Fred's appreciation and admira-
tion of Ella, and it was also arranged
before the evening was finished that
Fred should take Ella about and show
her the sights, as Bessie was much
too busy with wedding preparations
to spare the time. Together Ella and
Fred walked, cyc!ed, visited picture
exhibitions and studios, and part of
each day they devoted to the picture
for which Ella was model.
Three weeks passed The weather
was not exactly working weather. 1t
was too hot. But Fred worked at his
picture as if his life depended upon it.
Never had Bessie known him so en-
thusiastic. 1t was to be the picture of
the Academy next year and his mas
terpiece. Ella had assisted him with
all the details. 1t was to be a picture.
not a portrait. Artist and model talk
ed of it increasingly. Once or twice
Bessie almost wished the sittings had
been postponed till after the wedding.
She seemed to get SO little of Fred's
time and thoughts, but the brave lit
tie woman called herself stupid and
selfish, and ceased to trouble Fred
with details, assuring herself that, af-
ter all, his picture was the main
thing. The naming of the picture puz-
Zled Ella and Fred. Bessie suggested
"The Charmer" The suggestion was
adopted and the charmer continued
to spend most OF the day in Fred's
studio.
on Tuesday. Ella came downstairs
wearing a fairly heavy tailor-made
costume. Bessie looked astonished
and remarked on the heaviness of the
dress for such a hot day. Ella ignor-
ed the remark and complained of a
headache.
"I do hope you are not going to be
out of sorts, Ella, dearest, just at
present. 1t would be so tiresome for
both you and me. Don't sit today,
Ella. The picture can wait until we
return"
mo, 1 don't intend sitting today"
answered Ella, toying with the toast
on her plate. But must go into the
city"
Must, Ella? Can't you wait till
Monday, and perhaps your headache
will be gomez
To-day or never, Bessie. 1t might
be better never, but I have made an
appointment"
docs Fred know you are to be in
town."
Eyes; but he doesn't expect me for
a sitting"
Bessie kept up the conversation dur
ing the remainder of breakfast. Some
thing in Elias appearance troubled
her, but she attributed this to some
slight indisposition.
Confidence she never expected from
Ella, and her usual campaign when
puzzled was to talk on safe topics.
When Ella had taken her departure
for the city Bessie felt restless and
low-spirited If only Fred would
come, she said to herself, and we
could have quiet time alone while
Ella is in town..
Twelve o'clock came and Fred did
not come. Then she remembered he
had not mentioned coming, and tor
tured herself with fears one minute
and called herself a silly the next.
Lunch passed and Bessie's spirits had
gone down to zero. At three o'clock,
as miserable as a bride could be,
Bessie stood at the window of the
drawing-room resting her head against
the cool pane.
The sun had gone to the back of the
house and she felt glad to be rid Of
it. 1t made everything look so bright
and she felt so dull A telegraph
messenger. came along. Her heart
went pit-a-pat when he turned and
ran up the steps. 1t would be from
Fred to say he was coming to dinner.
The servant brought in two messages.
She opened one and read:
''Be merciful and pity us. We hate
ourselves.-Ella."
Bessie felt dazed. She tore open
the second, which ran thus:
81 cannot be present on Tuesday.
Forget and forgive an unworthy man.
Fred"
Bessie did not shrek or faint. She
tottered to the couch and dropped
down on the edge Of it, clutching the
two buff-colored messages that hal
4ol oII h. af