Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-09-25

not keep the blood from rushing to
his cheeks. but he replied carelessly:
"Olga would do my poor art great
honor | never knew that either of
you thought so well of my Skill"
Come, come" Herman cried. 81
want a portrait of Olga. and you shall
paint it. Let us discuss It. What sort
of a pose would YOU suggest. Olga"
Really, would have TO think about
it, Herman" Olga answered. This
is rather sudden, and one can't make
up ones mind about portrait so
quickly"
Why not? Now. | think half
length portrait, in evening dress. with
shawl thrown over your shoulders.
would be very attractive"
Herman had grown quite stout and
wore a neatly trimmed beard. He was
generous. good natured and kindly,
| and Karl was very fond of him as well
as grateful to him and. his family for
the opportunities they had given him.
He did not wish to oppose this within
of his friend. and he left the discus
| sion to Olga.
81 should prefer full length in
street costume" she said.
| Not at ALL" Herman asserted 1.-THE
picture will be painted indoors and
hung indoors. and you wear indoor
| clothes. Now that Is settled Karl.
when shall we begin this portrait?"
! Il can be ready at any time" Karl
said. Come when you will. am
quite at your disposal"
Then let US have a sitting tomor-
row. What do you say? l will take
Olga to your studio which We shall be
very glad to inspect, and leave her
there. shall be very busy in the aft
! ernoon. but can call for her when the
| sitting is over"
| "Delightedn' Karl cried. with enthu-
siasm- Olga. you will make a splen-
did model. and ! shall be happy to
paint YOU
| Every well. / am in your hands,"
| Olga said. I'VE will have n sitting to-
morrow. and in the evening you will
come to my reception. You will meet
| Elsa there"
Elsa was q young heiress selected by
Olga as the prospective bride of Karl
Olga had brought them together and
in every way fostered their growing
fondness for each other.
you are determined to marry me off
to Elsa, / See Karl said, laughing.
ITS high time, my dear Karl. that
you took a wife and settled down."
Olga said, with maternal emphasis.
II don't like this studio life for a
young man. Of your impulsive temper
ament."
"Well. I'm willing victim" said
Karl, laughing 1.-The moment you
married people settle down to your
4 own bondage you begin to try to put
others in the same plight"
Nonsense. We want you to be hap
py. just as we are. don't we, Her
man?"
Hoffman, looked indulgently at his
wife and Karl.
ELSA will be good match for you,'
he said. "And tomorrow evening
should be your opportunity, my boy"
|, Karl felt himself strangely disturb
ed at the thought of Olga's coming
visit. He roamed the rooms of bis
studio when he got home. looking al
the miscellaneous assortment of pic
lures. arms. rugs and bric-a- brac. a
few sketches in charcoal and oils ht
| thrust incontinently out of sight They
were not for Olga to see. He did no
, awaken old Heinrich. his servant, bu
he busted himself rearranging the fur
niture and even hunted up buster ant
busted some vases and porcelains. Fl,
laughed at himself then and threw
, aside the brush.
Il suppose could leave this to Helm
, RICH" he said This will be OIga'
: first visit And now believe tina
I've wanted her to come here all til,
time-for six years. But it is just a:
, WELL"
| After Karl left them Olga and Hoff
mann discussed the portrait.
Il don't suppose it will matter. m.
, leaving you at the studio tomorrow
, afternoon" Hoffman, said ~ hav,
, some important business to look after
You see. Olga, trust YOU"
"Of course you do. you old goose!'
Olga said, laughing and pinching hi
ear. Now. good night. I'm going t
bed"
When she was alone her husband'
, words required to her
, HE trusts mev' she unused. 80
, course he Goes. But why should h,
tell me about 1t tonight? Why isn't !
, matter of course?"