The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-11-13


Woodman-pOOr Jack, whose hair was
sandy red, whose face was so painfully
freekled and who could never grow a
muHtaChe, although he was always trying
TO do SO. Mr.. Netherby was tall and fair.
and his clothes always fitted him 10 per-
lection, while as for Jackie never look
ed comfortable in anything but his work
ing garments. But, OF course, that's
because ones a gentleman and the other
isn't" Rosie told herself, with a sigh.
She was soon ready TO pose in the
accustomed position. She had thrown a
red shawl over her shoulders, knotting
1t III front For the rest she left herself
docilely in ATthurs hands. He loved TO
place her chair exactly as he wanted it
In the picture she was supposed to be
sitting on q low wall-to arrange her
hair and the basket OF roses by her side.
the basket upon which one delicate hand
rested, its warm flesh tints harmonizng
delieiously with the rich red and white
blooms She wore a red rose in her hair
and a white one In the bosom of her
dress: both OF these 1t was Arthur's daily
pleasure 10 adjust for her.
He must have noticed how she trembled
when his hands touched her His fingers
stroked her hair caressingiy; they linger-
ed longer than they need. and there was
something loVerlike In the manner he
bent over her. She was always thinking
he was about to take her In his arms, TO
press his lips to hers. But he never did,
and IL was just this respect that he IN
varlably showed her which had hlled
Rosie's mind with anxious expectancy.
For she was sure that one day II was
bound to come. II he loved her, as she
felt be did. why should he be afraid to
speak?
But it was the same as ever to-day. and
Rosie's tempting, smiling lips remained
unkfssed II was very disappointing, for
she had told herself that the crisis was at
hand, that perhaps that very evening she
might be able 10 break the news - Jack
the news that she wsas going 10 be the
wife Of a fine gentleman.
Arthur adjusted his easel took his
palette. and began to paint. He told her
that she might chatter as much as she
pleased. He liked her TO do this, though
he never pai6 much heed 10 what she
said. He appeared to prefer his own
thoughts-and sometimes he was very
ahstracted indeed. But he always looked
at her with the same Iover-like gaze
which made her imagine all manner Of
things, til she became dreamy and silent
too.
He had placed the easel so that she
could Just catch sight OF the picture. She
could never quite make I'D her mind what
TO think of IT,
It's awfully nice" That is what she
would say Of Il when she was allowed to
peep al the result Of the days work; and,
indeed she felt the beauty Of the warm
coloring and OF the sharp sunlight ef-
feets
But she Was not sure that Il was really
a good nkeness-that was the queer part
OF it. She could not quite see herself in
the girl in ! the picture. There was the
wealth OF black hair. certainly, and the
black, lustrous eyes. yet even IN these
there was a subtle difference which Rosie
was cutie unable to analyze.
you make me look like a lady playing
at being a flower girl" Rosie said. feeling
instinctively that there was a refinement
about the features which she herself did
not possess. u might be older than I am.
too. and taller Oh. Mr. Netherby. !
don't mean 10 be critical" she added.
hastily. fearing II offend him. II think
tho pictures beautiful. and-and IL I'm
ike that She broke OF. hlushing, not
liking 20 say what wcs IN her mind. Was
she really prettier than she had imagin-
ed?
But perhaps ne saw her Ike that, and
IL was quite delightful that he should
idealize her so. It was a proof that he
must really care.
Arthur was more than ever kind and
appreciative that morning. Rosie was
very happy. and felt that all was going
Just a. she desired. She fluttered and
simpered with delight at his compliments.
Her nostTils diiated a little, too, as she
Inhaled the rose-scented air Of the studio.
There were roses everywhere-not only
in the basket which figured in the picture.
The atmosphere was heavy with their
fragrance. IL had been fancy of
Arthurs TO decorate his studio tAus ever
since Rosie had come 10 sit 10 him. The
girl had taken it as subtle and delicate
compliment.
do you know. little girl. you are the
best model / have ever had?"
Am I really. Mr.. Netherby?" faltered
Rosie. ''Oh, l ann so glad. Perhaps IT'S
because l love 20 sit 10 you.
do your he responded. with smile.
Funny little girl, I wonder why? By
the way" ne added, "call ME Mr.. Arthur,
they all do ! hate being called by my
surname
This was progress indeed. oh, thank
you. Mr. Arthur" was what Rosie said
in reply. She wished he had omitted the
Mr." however.
That's right" he said. quite uncon-
scious OF the effect his words had pro-
duced Il really think I've managed to
catch just the right tint for the hair he
went on. Isn't it wonderfully lustrous?
can remember how 1t glowed that day.
The sun caught H. It looked as II II
were sprinkled with black diamonds"
He was leaning back, his head against
the cushion OF the chair. and he spoke as
If he were calling up bygone memories.
He was not looking at Rosie at all now,
nor at the portrait. The girl wondered
what day he was referring to. but did
not like TO ask him.
He took up the brush again. Another
touch to the eyes" he muttered. absent
mindediy that is the great point, after
all, for the expression is there-the feel
ing" He applied the paint tenderly.
What wonderful eyes you have, Cecily,"
he said.
Rosie looked up sharply. not certain
that she had heard Alright. What did
yea say. Mr. Arthur" she asked.
TREMENDOUSLY. Could he have forgotten
her name?
"Eh, what?" Arthur came back sudden
~ from his day dream. What was l
saying, Roster
You were talking about-my eyes
She yelled them as she spoke with her
long lashes. But you called me another
name. Mr. Arthur" She laughed nerv-
ously Have you forgotten mine?"
did I, by JoveW He gave a low, half
inaudlble whistle Il don't know what
was thinking Of But you have pretty
eyes, Rosie wonderful eyes, and that's
the truth.
He spoke evasively, then quickly chang