The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-07-06
THE EVENING STORY

(By Philip Kean.)

The Lady OF tho Lilacs.
(By Philip Kean.)
Sherwood called her THE Lady OF
the Lilacs because always on spring
days there was bunch of lilacs on
her desk, offerings from the girls to
a best loved teacher.
you simply can't help loving her."
Betty Baynes said to Sherwood in her
emphatic young-girl way. you simply
can't help it. Uncle Jack"
81 don't see," Uncle Jack ventured,
where her particular charm comes
lin"
shes so sweet" Betty analysed,
'and dainty-and-and-s Betty
was getting into deep water. anyhow
she's lovely
Sherwood always called for his
niece after school, and drove her out
to Sherwood farm, where Betty and
her widowed mother made their home
with him. The farm was beyond the
town. great place. with great barns.
| where were housed the beautiful
horses that had made the farm ia
nous.
AS he sat in the trap, waiting, he
could look right into the windows of
the room where Miss Duval taught.
and he could see her head bent over
her desk with the great bunch of IL
laos making a background.
Look here" he said to Betty. one
afternoon. as they drove away in the
sunshine, "Id like to paint her that
way"
What way?" asked Betty.
Paint Miss Duval-just her head.
bent little, against a background OF
lilac blooms, with circle of gold in
closing it like halo"
| "Oh, Uncle Jack" Betty's face was
beaming, sit would be beautiful
l oA Of IL
lacs.'" Sherwood planned. by George
Betty, believe it would be the best
| thing I've DONE"
| But 1.-THE Lady of the Lilacs," when
approached. refused to be painted.
"oh. please tell Mr.. sherwood" she
think of such a thing-I am sure he
can find better model, Betty"
HE can't" Betty said, obstinately.
"Please. please. Miss Duval.'
The little teacher shook her head.
Don't insist, DEAR" she said. IT real
! ly cannot
"Now, what do you thing of that
Uncle Jack" said Betty. almost in
tears, as they drove away that night.
ct don't know what to think" said
Sherwood. 1T hate to give up the
idea"
"Well. don't give 1t up" Betty said.
"You know you always get your own
| way when you want it, Uncle Jack"
Eyes. I do" said Sherwood.
| thoughtfully.
Several days later when Betty came
out of the school. arm in arm with the
little teacher. Sherwood met them at
the door.
won't you let us drive you home.
Miss Duval," he urged. 1--WE will go
the long way round. and 1t will do you
good"
Miss Duval hesitated. "Oh." she
began, but Betty interrupted, "Of
course you'll go. you've never driven
behind the Buckner team-and they
are such beauties"
1t developed that Miss Duval was
from Kentucky. and that she loved
horses II used to ride a great deal
out there" she admitted.
why can't you ride here?" Sher-
wood demanded, I'VE have half
dozen ladies' mounts in the stables
that are growing fat and lazy for want
1T haven't a habit" Miss Duval de-
INJURED.
IT have two" Betty announced.
promptly. land you can wear one.
On Saturday Miss Duval. In
Betty's covert cloth habit and three
Buckner, was a transformed creature.
ct thought she was pretty" was
Sherwood's mental comment. but, by
Jove, she's a beauty"
And more ana more ne yearneo TO
paint her.
To that end he paid her most de
voted attention and it became quite
regular thing for the little teacher to
spend the week-ends at Sherwood
farm. Betty's mother found her
charming.
81 am glad to have Betty under
her influence" she told her brother,
'she is a lady to her finger tips"
YES" Sherwood agreed. moodily,
her as The Lady of the Lilacs.'
don't believe you ever look at a
woman except from the standpoint OF
art
Sherwood laughed. 'I don't fall in
love easily, II that is what you mean"
he said. and shrugged his shoulders
and went on.
That afternoon he sauntered down
to the end of the big garden where
Dulcie Duval was pouring tea. The
little table was set under a lilac bush
and the fragrance of the blossoms
filled the air.
+ Betty on the other side of the bush
was playing tennis with a boy from
town. Mrs. Baynes had been called
to the house and Sherwood was alone
with the Lilac Lady.
''I wish you would let me paint
your picture" he said to her.
mo-" she said. slowly, "I am not
sure that like the idea of my pic
ture hanging in a gallery for the pub
lie to gaze at"
Surely" Sherwood urged, zone
should not keep beauty hidden"
'I am not beautiful" she said
quietly. She leaned back in the big
wicker chair. Her face was very pale,
and there were shadows under her
eyes. Behind her the lilacs tossed
their pale purple plumes in the
spring breeze.
IT am not beautiful she repeated,
"but I think I ought to tell you why
do not want my picture placed be-
fore the public