The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1908-07-17
The Lady of
The LilaCS.
BY Philip kean.
By Philip kean.
Copyrighted. 1908, by Asse
Literary Press.

Sherwood called her "The Lady of
the Lilacs' because always on spring
days there was Il 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
In"
"She's so sweet" Betty analysed,
"and dainty-and-and- Betty
was getting into deep water. anyhow,
she's lovely"
Sherwood always called for his niece
after school and drove her out to Sher-
wood farm, where Betty and her wild
owed mother made their home with
him. The farm was beyond the town
a great place, with great barns, where
were housed the beautiful horses that
had made the farm famous.
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 lilacs
making a background.
'Look here" he said to Betty one
afternoon as they drove away In the
sunshine, "I'd like to paint her that
way"
"What wa.;. ?" asked Betty.
"Paint Miss Duval-just her head,
bent little, against background Of
lilac blooms, with a circle of gold in
closing it like a halo
ooh, Uncle jack" Betty's face was
beaming, "it would be beautiful"
"I'd call it The Lady of the Lilacs, "
Sherwood planned. "By George, Betty,
I believe it would be the best thing
I've done"
But "The Lady of the Lilacs" when
approached refused to be painted. "Oh,
please tell Mr.. Sherwood" she said
breathlessly, "that 1 couldn't think of
such thing. l am sure he can find a
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. 81 real
ly cannot"
'Now, what do you think of that,
Uncle Jack" said Betty, almost in
tears, as they drove away that night.
81 don't know what to think" said
Sherwood. 81 hate to give up the idea"
"Well, don't give it up" Betty said.
"You know you always get your own
way when you want it, Uncle Jack"
Eyes, 1 do" said Sherwood thought
fully.
Several days later when Betty came
out Of the school arm in arm with the
little teacher Sherwood met them at
the door.
Wont you let us drive you home,
Miss DuvalY' he urged. 1--WE will 60
the long way round, and it will do you
good"
Miss Duval hesitated. "Oh," she be-
gan, 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 great deal
out there" she admitted.
"Why can't you ride hereT Sher-
wood demanded. 1--WE have half doz-
en- ladies' mounts in the stables that
are growing fat and lazy for want Of
exercise"
II haven't habit" Miss Duval de-
INJURED.
II have two" Betty announced
promptly, "and you can wear one"
On Saturday Miss Duval in Betty's
covert cloth habit and three cornered
hat and mounted on Hulda Buckner
was transformed creature.
II thought she was pretty" was
Sherwood's mental comment, "but, by
Jove, she's a beauty"
And more and more he yearned to
paint her.
To that end he paid her most de-
voted attention, and it became a regu-
lar thing for the little teacher to spend
the week ends at Sherwood farm. Bet
tvs 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 modify,
"but wish she would let me paint her
as The Lady Of the Lilacs'"
His sister fared Indignantly. 81
don't believe you ever look at woman
except from the standpoint Of art.'
Sherwood laughed. II don't fall in
love easily, if 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 vas set under lilac bush,
and the fragrance Of the blossoms
filed the air.
Betty, on the other side of the bush,
was playing tennis with boy from
town. Mrs. Baynes had been called to
the house. and Sherwood was alone
with the Lilac Lady.
81 wish you would let me paint
your picture" he said to her.
mo" she said slowly. II am not
sure that l like the idea of my pic
ture hanging in gallery for the pub
lie to gaze at"
Surely" Sherwood urged, lone
should not keep beauty hidden"
81 am not beautiful" she said quiet
~. She leaned back in the big wicker
chair. Her face was very pale, and
there were shadows under her eyes.