Warren sheaf. [volume] (Warren, Marshall County, Minn.) 1880-current, 1911-02-02
PAINTING
W|N0NA
It Drove the Man She Loved
to Declare Himself.
BY ETHEL HARRINGTON.

harmonious picture. Wllfred Clay,
artist, brought his wheel to sudden
stop, wondering If he ever had seen
anything so exquisite before Surely
1t was toward this that he had been
j0urneying, this wonderful breathing
picture. Already he mentally planned
the blendings of madden and lakes, of
chromes and yellow, to reproduce the
charm as, steadying his wheel against
rock, he climbed the bank.
lis there any place near by where
can put up for few days?" he in
quired, standing bareheaded before the
vision.
"Folks sometimes stay at the farm
houses
''Any you particularly recommends"
"NOne," was the lacOnic answer
The young fellow laughed, noting the
discomfort that dimmed the girls real
beauty. "How about that one?" in
dicating a red chimney that showed
among the trees.
81 live there. It's no worse than the
rest.''
ut has attractions that the others
lack" he declared CALAMITY, but the
compliment few wide of it's aim. Twill
you accompany me to present my
cause?"
Silently the girl acquiesced, keeping
a little in advance; then. suddenly
waiting for him to join her, she began
to talk rapidly. Her eyes never wa
vered from the advancing figure of a
man, farmer from his dress, who
with a switch dashed modify at the
the rising color above the loose collar
alone betraying his consciousness Of
their presence. After he had gone the
girl fell again into silence.
She left the artist on the wide porch
and sent her mother to interview the
stranger. Clay promptly accepted the
terms and was soon smoking in home
persuade the girl to let him paint her,
his fingers already itching to be at
work.
During supper. which he shared with
the family, Clay endeavored to draw
Winona-he had discovered that to be
her name-into conversation. but she
repealed such advances with monosyl-
tables. One of her brothers chaffed
her on her ill humor. arousing her to
sharp retort. whereat he laughed
roughly.
Fortunes soured sis's temper. Fun
ny how some folks can't stand good
luck"
Later Clay found her leaning against
the trellis where the vines still chung
II congratulate you on being an
heiress. Independence is not the least
gift that riches confer"
The girl raised her head rebelliously.
"Why should Aunt Liza give me her
money? don't want it. l hardly
ever saw her and cared less. What
right had she to spoil my life?" Her
voice vibrated with resentment, and a
low whistle escaped Clay.
Truly an unusual view to take. II
you are in trouble possibly can help
you. I'd like to try
Winona shook her head. Guess no
one can"
"What about the fellow we mety'
A chance shot. but it made the color
surge painfully to the girls face.
though she kept silent.
81 stayed over to paint picture"
proceeded the artist. abruptly chang
ing the topic. I'm going to try for
the rioting splendor of New England
fall, and-I want you in the shadow of
the maples-just as you were today"
eff it depends on me you may as
well give up your picture"
ut would mean great deal to me-"
81 don't hold with SUCH" returned
the girl indifferently and went indoors
Musing. Clay continued to pull at his
brier. 1t took good deal to discour
age him. The subject was an inspira-
ton. He would paint now as before
be only dreamed of doing.
But as the week passed he found
himself no nearer his object. Winona.
who now conversed on ordinary top
les, was dumb when he advanced the
picture, nor did he gain in her conf
dence regarding her personal affairs
1t was from her mother, Mrs. Eager,
that be learned the facts
Previous to her aunt's death Winona
had kept company'-the local phras
ing for courtship-with Keith Adams.
but there had been no formal engage
ment, for which fact the mother now
rejoiced, as with her improved pros
poets the girl might do much better.
Mrs. Eager herself had privately ad-
ministered some broad hints to the as
piring farmer. which he had apparent
~ accepted. Did Winona care? Well.
she supposed that Winona thought she
did, but she was young enough to have
dozen fancies before coming into con
troll of her money. 1t was her duty to
marry we'll and help her brothers and
sisters
''1'm told you are not ambitious re-
marked Clay that evening. causing WI
mona to flare up unexpectedly.
II want nothing but to be let alone.
II I had the money now I'd give it to
you, to any one. who'd 60 away and
never let me hear Of it again" Her