El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1912-09-21
PERRINS'S ANNUAL"
By Ross Harvey.

ITO AN artist. Mr.. Perrins. sunset
like this must be-be an inspira-
= ton" said the girl softly. 'Tsn't
il to your"
Perrins. started. He had not been
witching the sunset; he had been look
, ing at the girl instead, without letting
her see. Still, there was nothing very
surprising in that, for May Bishop
caused more than one head to turn in
her direction as she sat at the cliff
edge, looking across the sands towards
Bude's curious breakwater and the
deep red sun beyond, setting behind
the Atlantic
Isn't it an Inspiration" persisted
the. girl L don't believe you are lis
tening to me"
Perrins, little breathlessly. Il al
ways listen to everything you say. The
sun is ripping"
It had been her eyes which had start
ed it all, eyes which made Perrins
think of the Swiss lakes he had never
You are going home in a few days.
too, he suddenly exclaimed. I am
glad of that"
How horrid of you" laughed May.
But, unfortunately, you are right
Three more days of Bude, then foggy
But how different your London will
be from mine" Perrins said with in
creasing desperation.
DIIGrenI.
Dances and theaters and that sort
of thing, will make the months fly
quickly enough for you, Perrins said.
For me"
cluded the girl softly. "Dances-paint-
ing Yes. my London is very different
from yours"
They sat and talked till the sun had
long since set and the moon appeared
TO suffuse everything with its soft
glow.
At last the girl jumped to her feet
must simply race back to the ho-
the responsibility five large hats and
one small box to hold them is to the
owner. l will say goodby now"
There is just one last thing I should
love you to do for me-" she added.
What is it?'' he said eagerly.
well, it will have to be done in
the world of i 'ndon," said the girl.
Will you show me over your studio
some day?'
.@Therc-there is nothing to see"
suppose you give me the opportun-
the girl Mind, I shall consider you
have promised. Goodbye"
Halo, old man. Had a good timer"
Perrins stepped from a Great West
ern third class Compartment to be
greeted instantly by a sounding slap on
the shoulder from young man Of
about his own age, fortnights sun
Thanks. awfully, for the postcards"
went on VIII Ashton. They were Al
I've had a simply gorgeous time at
sisters, and I and another fellow took
them everywhere. They all came and
saw me off this morning. But I'll tell
you all about that later
Ashton did not think Perrins looked
quite as he usually looked after his
summer holiday. He seemed older for
one thing and heaps graver.
Whats the trouble. Perrins? Brok-
. Wi he
pause
No"
"Ashton. old man, I've been fool"
i've been a fool and cad. I wish
to goodness I'd never seen Bude."
"A girl, of course?'
Yes. and 1 told her I was an artist,
and-wen. 1 feel like taking a mid
night dive from Blac.EfrairsF bridge"
L told her l was an artist" went on
Perrins. and instead-wel, for the
next II II months 1 shall be tearing
off yards of calico for old ladies', and
my exertions in that direction will be
rewarded by Smith & Sons at the rate
OF so shillings a week. She thinks ]
shall be painting sunsets.
Ashton's laughter showed signs Of
getting out OF hand.
What does it matter, Tom? ?" he said
You'll never see her again"
No" said Perrins. Il shan't see her
again, 1 suppose"
An agreeable surprise awaited Per-
rms al GIllIn O sons on MS return. IOr
ne was summoned to the private office
of the great Smith himself. and learned
there that his services in the past were
to be recognized by substantial in
crease in his salary, and that his future
was in his own hands.
Go on as you've started, PERKINS,
said the great Smith; "gO on as you've
started and you'll do"
Four or five days went by, when oneJ
Ashton happened to catch
sight of girl sauntering into the largo
shop.
Ashton had trying customer in hand
at the time, but somehow the gir1's
face made him think of Perrins
Just his style" his thought ran I I
at Folkstone-Did you SPEAK
madam" he added aloud to his Gus
Yes; I did. I want some gray/ si1e-
Al thai moment the manager'k voice
Mr. Perrins, forward"
Perrins hurried forward.
Ashton started with surpri}e for
from brilliant red to an unhealthy paI-
lor in quick succession, ting, n back
whats the matter. old nam Feel
Perkins moved on. and t1en Ashton
had to atteni 70 his owr customer.
ferrins leatne1 over the SccG. ter. He
Which Were fixed upon Nun fer any
%Wi i you pleas match ihis for mea"
said the girl coldly. In mrst be
exact" pause foiIoweG broken at
last by the girl.
You don't mean to SAY Won haven't
me, Mr.. Perr3ns?" She ex-
claimed; ;ia1 Il SHOULDN'T believed it if you
a, .95 course reoogn tze you. Miss
Perrins was conscious of wayne
Tor the world 70 come to an
md. May Bishop did hot appear TO
notice his smbarra ssmentt
Il am so glad you rd member me :"
she said pleasantly, "bef sire If that
promise you gave me on svour last eve
hing at Dude. Do Y..;I riennar .ber2''
Perrins stammered again He did moi
know what he said or WHAT he intended
saying. But again his confusion
seemed to escape notic{s
ooh. don't pretend yqE1 nave forgot
en-, please. You promis eel to show me
over your studio-to + me sec vo11r
unfinished pictures; yoS did really
Tom Perrins glanced nm a+ that He