Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-02-28
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STRUGGLERS
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By CATHERINE COOPR

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When the gray beard and shock OF
struggling hair were removed be
stood revealed, a man Of startling
physical beauty.
Joyce caught her breath.
"You could make a fortuue--as a
model" she said in quick apprecia.
ton. She went swiftly - the slender
wardrobe that she kept for her mod
els and brought forth an evening
suit She glanced hastily at ths
mans well-knit and generous frame
You must try TO get into these"
She laughed with a tinge OF doubt
fulness.
When the man returned from the
dressingroom Joyce laughed in sheer
delight at her luck. Here's a model
to inspire the most sluggish mental
ity
Fortunately for Joyce. the only
other HsGTs In her illustration wal
that of a girl painting desperately al
her easel. She hal ssls very like the
great Rembrandts and Van Dykes Of
history when she had used herself as
a model. II had saved her purse
considerably and Joyce felt proud oI
her achievement. She was amused In
a half resentful way at the smile o.
satisfaction that swept her models
face when his eyes travelled from the
big canvas to her own face.
You must try to express surprise
anger and resentment all at once
she said a trine cUldly. you. as tht
hero in John Temple story have ar
rived to fulfill an engagement for thu
opera with your sweetheart and have
come in to find her oblivious to any
thing save her painting" Joyce sig
nified her model platform and turned
toward her paints.
81 will need more lamp black thu
sandwich man heard her mutter
Then she turned to him. Il will b
back in a moment"
She was gone and the man in tn,
evening clothes moved toward th'
easel. The smile of satisfaction II
i up his eyes again.
What strange coincidence" h
said, half aloud. and had scarcely
turned from the big wash drawing be
fore Joyce came swiftly back.
Nov we are ready for wSrkl" sh'
cried happily. with the light OF In
spiration radlating from her.
Then began the completion OF thu
splendid drawing for John Temples
story. So good was the piece Of worl
that Joyce Randolf's name was sooI
in many OF the magazines, For TIVE
years the sandwich man posed 81
lently for the rising artist and |
Joyce knew that her contentmen
when he was near meant more thai
the artists Joy in her work she KEEP
her secret well in hand. The duml
appeal In her models eyes had begul
to haunt her waking and sleeping.
She illustrated stories of John TEN
pies. His name. too. was in all tn
magazines and Joyce wondered whei
she would have the pleasure Of meet
ing him. He had written to than
her for her splendid work; that wa
as far as their relationship went.
Joyce picked up an uncut magazin
and idly ran her knife through IT,
picture among the advertised neS
books attracted her languid eye
Joyce sat up and stared at the mau'
face. It was photograph Of the AT
thor, John Temple. and the face wa
that Of her model--her sandwich mar
Joyce fit as II a white heat ha
come from her feet upward and er
! ;aloped her entire being.
The knocker on the door sounded
Joyce realized in a half dazed wa
that y was time for her model. Sh
cast an involuntary glance at the pa
and pencil that she kept for the DUN
mans convenience. She smiled grin
ly; he would have much to write nov
in explanation.
He came into the studio and Their
was something new in his bearing.
new determination.
Joyce started to rise from he
chair. but sank back when she foun
herself trembling.
Il love you, Joyce" John Tempt
said, and laughed "There-those ar
the words wanted first to say t
you | never was dumb and ] had Z
advertise my own book because
didn't have any money two years ag
for fuIl.page ads and now-well--
have everything want except you.
He laughed again. but unsteady
and drew nearer to Joyce She ha
only looked up at him. poweriess {
speak now that the great momen
had come. Don't tell me you ar
angry--I was only a struggling autho
and had to advertise my name.
think have loved yon since the me
ment you stood on the curb and ash
ed me TO pose"
II wanted you very much" Joyc
said in such a way as to find hersei
in John Temples arms
Logical Result.
'I4ow is your stove polish bushes
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