The Wahpeton times. [volume] (Wahpeton, Richland County, Dakota [N.D.]) 1879-1919, 1910-05-05

Obeying my not altogether courteous
summons, "Come I'M" which had ut
tered in response to a brisk knocking
at my studio door late one stormy
night. young man clad in motoring
attire entered, and came forward to
where l still remained seated before
my easel. His bearing was easy and
graceful, and with an unmistakable
air of culture and refinement he in
troduced himself.
my name is Acknowledgment
McGork. am motoring through this
part Of the country for the first time.
and having heard that the scenery
from here on to the city is especially
fine. am DESTROYS of making the bal
ance Of the trip by daylight"
please be seated. Mr.. McGork," I
said. offering him a chair before the
open fireplace.
THANK you. SIR" he returned, seat
ing himself comfortably. II saw the
request shelter for the night" Then.
as II detecting a reluctance on my
part to have him. he added quickly:
II shall endeavor to put you to as lit
| tie Inconvenience as possible. Mis-
ter"
"Paulson-Paulson is my name,"
said. land do not see how l can pos
sibly-"
"Now. now, Mr.. Paulson," he plead
ed. "all want is a place to tumble
down on-for am dead tired!"
But my only servant goes home at
night" argued. II fear can offer
you very little in the way of refresh
ment."
"Refreshment-that reminds me"
he said cheerily, Il have large bas-
ket in my car-really. a capital cold
spread-and. If l remember correctly,
a bottle or two. Before this fine old
fireplace we two could have coy
enough evening of tiff you say the
world" He paused and looked at me
inquiringly. nodded dubious as.
sent, and he hurried out with me close
on his heels. to bring in his personal
effects-and the misunderstanding
which latter my interest was already
aroused to no slight extent.
I had moved to this rural retreat
from the city, some months previous,
for the express purpose of obtaining
quiet and solitude; that l might de-
vote my entire attention to my art.
wholly undisturbed. l felt that I had
accomplished much by the change:
but at times 1t had been lonesome
insufferably lonesome! So now, as
had for my guest gentleman Of rare
| personal magnetism. of culture and
taste-and well-filled lunch basket.
I felt far more reconciled at having
been disturbed at my work than I
did at the moment first heard him
knocking at my door.
| That lunch would have delighted an
| epicure. We spread 1t out on a low
table before the fireplace. AS he in
sisted that join him, did so. first
| adding few delicacies from my own
larder. My guest. found, was excep-
tionally entertaining and congenial.
AS we were finishing the repast, he
CHANGED to look up at the canvas
upon which had been musing when
he came to my door-a young girl I
had painted as "The Lady in Brown"
The picture now lacked only few
finishing touches. saw him give a
slight start. Then his face changed
color as his gaze fell upon the canvas,
! and heard him murmur in ecstacy:
That's the girl-sure as I'm sitting
, here!"
what girl?" queried, wonderingly.
Apparently he did not hear my ques-
ton. His gaze was still centered upon
the canvas. At length he spoke, de-
cisively. "My friend. I must have that
picture!" He drew a roll of bills from
his pocket. and began peeling them
OF, one at a time. you must sell me
that picture"
felt a warm glow steal over me,
something of the artists innate pride
Of achievement-of having created
and possessing that which even gold
could not procure.
"Mr. McGork," said, sententiously.
there are some things money cannot
buy. I never sell a painting I have
made of a personal friend"
A shade of disappointment crossed
his face. He replaced the bills in his
pocket, but saw that he had not en-.
tirely given up hope.
when did she sit for you?" he con.
tinued eagerly. Where is she now?''
Before I could attempt to answer
him the clatter Of horses hoofs
sounded without. The next moment
the horseman came to sudden stou
before my door. stepped forward to
open 1t. As l did 80. a messenger dis.
mounted from dripping steed and
handed me letter. with the words:
For Mr.. Paulson. Bearer does NOT
wait" Leisurely mounting again. he
rode OF into the night.
turned back to my guest and
closed the door. you must pardon
me q moment" said, q strange dread
coming over me: "this seems to be :
matter requiring immediate attention. .
tore omen the enyelope. Az ,..a