Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-07-20
8he Hrgus Daily Short Story
The Lady of the Lilacs.-By Phillip Kean.
Copyrighted, 1908. by Associated Literary Press.

Sherwood called her The Lady of
the Lilacs" because always on spring
days there was a bunch of lilacs on
her desk, offerings from the girls to
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
shes so sweet" Betty analyZed.
land 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 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 way?" asked Betty.
epoipi Misc Dr1roli,,cf hnr hnoI
bent little, against background of
lilac blooms. with a circle of gold in
closing it like halo
"Oh, Uncle Jack" Betty's face was
beaming. lit would be beautiful
I'D call it The Lady of the Lilacs. "
Sherwood planned. by George, Betty
| 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 l couldn't think OF
such thing. I am sure he can find q
better model. Betty"
He can't" Betty said obstinately
| please. please Miss Duval."
l ut lAtt1t tSdtubG SuOOh Htt uedu
| Don't insist. dear" she said. II real
~ cannot"
Now. what do you think of that
| Uncle Jack" said Betty, almost II
tears, as they drove away that night.
| II don't know what to think" sale
Sherwood. Il hate to give up the idea.
| well, don't give 1t up" Betty said
You know you always get your owl
way when you want it, Uncle Jack"
Yes, / do" said Sherwood thought
fully.
Several days later when Betty cam
out of the school arm in arm with TIL
little teacher Sherwood met them a
the door.
Wont you let us drive you home
Miss Duval?' he urged. I'VE will e
the long way round. and it will do yo
good"
Miss Duval hesitated. ooh" she be
gan. but Betty interrupted; "Of cours
you'll go. You've never driven benin
the Buckner team. and they are sue
beauties"
| 1t developed that Miss Duval wa
| iio'h tndt she lONt
horses. II used to ride great des
out there" she admitted.
why can't you ride bsreT" Shel
wood demanded. I'VE have a half do;
en- ladies' mounts in the stables ths
are growing fat and lazy for want 9
exercise"
II haven't habit" Miss Duval d.
INJURED
Il have two" Betty announce
promptly. '.and you can wear one"
/ On Saturday Miss Duval in Betty
covert cloth habit and three cornere
hat and mounted on Hulda Bucknt
was a transformed creature.
4 thought she was pretty W;
Sherwood's mental comment, ..but,
/, Joye. she's beauty"
$, And mere and more he yearned
paint her.