Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1910-04-29
CHAPTER VIII.

CHAtIEh Will.
~ WENT home. Outside the inn / saw
Miss Elizabeth's phaeton.
But it was not Miss Elizabeth
who had come In the phaeton
though a lady from Quesnay did prove
to be the occupant. At sight of her
halted stockstill under the archway.
There she sat, a .sketchbook on a
green table beside her and a board in
her lap, brazenly painting. and
more blushless piece of assurance than
Miss Anne Elliott thus engaged these
eyes have never beheld.
She was not so hardened that she
did not affect little timidity at sight
of me, looking away even more quick
ly than she looked up, while walked
slowly over to her and took the gar
den chair beside her. That gave me
a view of her sketch. which was 6
violent little ''lay-in" of shrubbery
trees and the sky line Of the inn. Tc
my prodigious surprise and, naturally
enough. with a degree Of pleasure
perceived that it was not very bad
not bad at all, indeed. 1t displayed q
sense of values, Of placing and even
in young and frantic way of color
Here was young woman Of more
than accomplishments"
''You see,'' she said. squeezing one
of the tiny tubes almost dry and con
tinuing to paint with fine effect OF
absorption, II had to. show you that
l was in the most abysmal earnest
Will you take me painting with your
81 appreciate your seriousness" re
joined. "Has it been rewarded 2"
Flow can say? You haven't told
me whether or no l may follow you tc
the wildwood"
II mean. have you caught another
glimpse Of Mr.. Saffren?"
At that she showed a prettier color
in her cheeks than any In her sketch
book. but gave no other sign Of shame
nor even Of being dustered, cheerfully
replying:
THAT is far from the point. Do you
grant my burning plea?'
II understood had offended you"
'You did," she said. "viciously?'
II am sorry" continued. II want
ed to ask you to forgive me-
what made you think I was Of.
fendedy'
'Your look Of reproach when you
left the table,
II was only playing offended.
thought your note was fetching!' she
said.
will you take me painting with
your" she added. IF it will convince
you that l mean it I'll give up my
hopes Of seeing that sumptuous Mr.
Saffren and go back to Quesnay now,
before he comes home. You can't
know how enervating it is up there at
the chateau-all except Mrs. Hartman,
and even she"-
what about Mrs. Harman?" asked
as she paused.
II think she must be in love-"
"Whaty'
II do think so." said the girl. "She's
like it, at least. I'm afraid she's my
rival!"
mot With began.
eyes. with your beautiful and mad
young friend
Butch, it's preposterous!' ! cried
profoundly disturbed. "She couldn't
be! II you knew a great deal about
her.
81 may know more than you think
Ny simplicity Of appearance is decep
tive" she Knocked, beginning to sci
her sketch box in order. you DOM
realize that Mrs. Hartman and are
quite hurled upon each other at Cues
nay, being two ravishingly Intelligent
women entirely surrounded by large
bodies Of elementals. She has told me
q great deal Of herself since that first
evening, and know-wel, know
why she did not come back from Dives
this afternoon, for Instance"
"WhyT' fairly shouted.
She slid her sketch into a groove in
the box, which she closed, and rose to
her feet before answering.
II might tell you some day." she
said indiferently, '.if gained enough
confidence in you through association
in daily pursuits.
my dear young lady," I cried with
real evaporation, II am working.
man. and this is working summer
for mev'
do you think I'd spoil tt?'' she
urged gently.
"But get up with tine irsr dag daylight: Is Z
to paint" I protested, land paint al
day.
Oliver Sa6ren had come in from the
road and was crossing to the gallery
steps. He lifted his hat and gave me
a quick word Of greeting as he passed
and at the sight of his flushed and