The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1908-01-25

70 take their course.
1t was the day after Ella Barton's
arrival Fred was due to dine at Haz
Ell Lodge. The bell rang. Bessie
sprang to her feet and scampered of
to meet her lover.
| Ella smiled
| There were no subtleties about BeS
sic. Her devotion was open and hear
ty Ella expected to meet certain
| type of mantle kind Of man who is
flattered by blind devotion. She low
ed her cousin. but she could not mag
inc Bessie in love with any but an or
binary man. even though he was an
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. We're
all alike striking. What 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-
ton 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 a 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 al 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
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 liz
tie woman called herself stupid and
selfish, and ceased to trouble Fred
with details, assuring herself that. az
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.
1t was Saturday. The wedding was
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 hot day. Ella ignOr-
ed the remark and complained of
headache.
II 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"
NO, l 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 have made an
appointment.
town."
Yes 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, bI. 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 |
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
and called herself a silly the next.
Lunch passed and Bessies spirits had
gone down to zero. At three o'clock.
as miserable as bride could be.
Bessie stood at the window OF the