The central record. (Lancaster, Ky.) 18??-current, 1912-03-01

us-just to show what ner last great
painting was like?"
He led the way to the cherries
closed parlor, and David stood before
a panel picture which hung upon the
wall. His face frightened at the first
sketch Of an apple tree laden with
spring blossoms. their white petals
daintily tinged with pink. Nell had
always loved these blooms. Then fol-
lowed second sketch Of the same
tree. Now numberIess rosy checked
apples showed among its green leaves.
AT the last picture David turned sud
denly to the old man:
"She is not happy" he said. with con-
victiOn. 1t was the tree In winter.
standing bare and desolate. It's naked
branches pointing to leaden sky. and
beneath the picture was one written
word-"Bpreft."
As the train carried him upon his
homewsrd journey David gazed gloom
lily into space "She Ia not happy."
he repeated. Much work had accumu.
lated during his absence. and as he
entered an office building several days
after his arrival he recollected an i'm
portant business letter which must
have a prompt reply and immediate
ly sought the Office of public stenog-
rapher. Miss Margaret Owen" was
the name inscribed in gilt above the
doorway. and as David entered stout
old man passed out. The stenOgra-
piers sanctum was separated from
the outer room by heavy curtains.
which parted presently TO admit the
gray clad figure of q dainty little wo-
man. A great bunch of apple blossoms
were fastened at her belt. David saw
the blossoms before he met the steady
light of her clear blue eyes.
NELL" he cried sharply. She drew
back hastily.
DAVID she breathed
1T Is good to see yosl. N-Nell." he
said. stammering In his JOY like a
schoolboy. Never expected to find
you here. IL am looking for public
stenographer'
The little gray figure retreated to-
ward the curtains: then Miss Nell
laughed tremuleusly. II. too, wished
to engage Miss Owens services" she
said. "but have learned that she Will
not be here this afternoon"
The man stood looking at her for a
moment; then with quick stride he
crossed the room.
Nell" he entreated, grant me a
few moments alone. Is your Office or
studio In this building?"
"Yes." she answered, and her tone
was quite composed. II am located
here, David. but when we have congrat-
ulated each other upon our phenomenal
success"-she smiled up at him-'then
1t will be wiser to shake hands SIM
ply and say goodby. You have been
successful. DavidY'
II suppose so, Nell" he said. "At
least I have made some money. That
spells success. does It notT David
caught his breath sharply and hurried
on: "My life has been like that famous
picture Of yours, Nell. There have
been blossoms along the way, Of
course. but the blossoms never lasted
long, while the fruit Of my labors-
that's the money-is garnered away
somewhere. I don't seem to enjoy It.
So now there Is nothing but the bare
tree with its naked branches. 'Bereft'-
fhof no non II
The girl drew farther back against
the curtains. Her face had grown very
white.
81 must speak, Nell" David said
tensely. 81 have waited too long to
miss this chance. Fame Is not a satis-
flying thing, dear, and now that bow
humbly before you, acknowledging
your skill and your triumphs, won't
you come and I'LL this empty life Of
mine with happiness? I do not ask
the sacrifice of your beautiful dreams,
dear one. crave but the privilege to
care for you, to be near you. Will you
conner
NO." she answered gently, mo. Da-
vid, for I must always dream my
dreams alone"
David turned abruptly to 60. As he
reached the door 1t was thrust open to
admit the same stout old gentleman,
who waved a fat hand in greeting to-
ward the figure huddled against the
curtains"
"Miss Owen" he cried, "glad to find
you here. Will you now finish that In
terrupted dietation"
The old mans query was met with
silence, while Nell's sweet face chang.
ed from white to crimson In the most
alarming manner. David hesitated a
moment uncertainty; then his puzzled
expression gave way to one Of sudden
enlightenment
BEG pardon, sir" he asked the be
wildered old man, "but Is this lady
generally known as Miss Owen. the
public stenographerT
Certainly" the man responded,
"she is Miss Owen"
David's laugh rang out boyishly. "In
that cass," he said, II viii have to
keep you waiting whila ] discuss a..