El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1912-07-23

1" he tai ClOCh II the corner d
the Robbins drawing room had
= chimed II before Beatrice arose
to leave. For the past hour she had
been tete-a-tete with Sidney Randolph.
Her host and hostess had been con-
versing N low tones with DR.. Haynes
by the open window, while the widow,
seatec some distance from them in the
soft glow cast by the shaded lamp.
held the artist q willing captive. She
felt the subtle intOXication which pos
sesses a woman who is conscious that
she appears at her best anc is appre-
cisted by some man who interests
her. And in the elf-confidence
brought about by this ideal condition
Beatrice talked Eayly and Wittily, the
increasing admiration in Randolph s
eyes serving as spur to further
effort
At the peremptory summons of the
clock she started, looking unaffectedly
surprised and regretful.
Eleven she exclaimed Helen,
dear. please forgive me! Somehow
changes minutes to seconds when
am here"
Nor did I know that it was so
late" answered Helent amiably, rising,
however, with alacrity and leading the
way to the door We must thank
our guests for making US forget the
flight of time" Who is this Mr.. Ran
dolph?" Beatrice asked Helen as she
stood in her hostess bedroom. adjust
ing a filmy scarf over her soft hair.
I have heard of him, of course" she
added, hastily, as she saw Helen's look
OF surprise. but I mean, what has
he really done?"
HE mas painted many things" an
swered Helen. both here and abroad.
He is better known in Paris than here,
for we're only just beginning to ap-
preciate him in America He did the
wonderful Iphigenia' that everybody
has been talking about lately, and
which. by the way, he tells US has
been sold. And he has just published
a little book of verses Some of them
are exquisite He's really a very brill
a lot of the world and understands
most OF what he has seen. John and
he met in London two years ago, and
since he set Up a studio here in New
York he's often at our house
The three men were in the lower
hall when Beatrice descended the
stairs-Randolph and Dr. Haynes
ready for departure. The artist
stepped forward eagerly as he caught
sight of Beatrice
1T would give me happiness, Mrs
Minor" he said with formal grace, TO
be permitted to conduct you to your
home"
Beatrice accepted smilingly his
l.
her hosts goodnight descended the
steps of the Minor house, her hand
resting lightly on the artists arm
How Often Randolph said, as they
avenue, "oGe is surprised by good
time in spite Of the forebodinSs
Of monotony."
"Yes@ queTicd Beatrice.
Il mean" the man continued, that
7 had expected Cnly the quiet family
dinner predicted by Mrs. Robbins when
she Invited me for tonight, and in
stead with change OF Tone
met you
And /" responded Beatrice with an
effort to appear Unembarrassed, met
with a very pleasant surprise in hav-
ing the oppOT -unity of talking face to
face with the man who painted tbs
wonderful Iphigenia-'"
BY the gal ring in the artists
voice Beatrice knew she had pleased
him.
Praise Of MS picture" he declared,
has the same effect upon painter
mother. 1 should like you for that
speech even il 1 did not already like
you for yourself Have you seen the
picture" ne asked.
Helen hesltated ccnfusedly for an
instant, then took refuge in 4 half
Liza form of prevarication. by the
way, quite as dangerous to ones own
moral character as a direct falsehood
would be Unfortunately, there are
persons who would hold up their
hands in horror at a bare, blunt lie,
who will, nevertheless, speak that
which seems to the hearer to be truth,
but Is really uttered with the inten-
ton to deceive. So Beatrices con-
science did not smite her as she re-
piled to Randolph's question.
1T is a wonderful creation" she
said glibly. Il know nothing about
technique in art, but do long to see
that picture again love the spirit
of it"
DC you really want to see it once
more2' asked Randolph. pleased and
flattered. If so, won't you come to
the studio fer tea some afternoon very
soon2 Tphigenia' is still there. L
would keep ner always. but James
printing has offered a price for her
that a poor devil of an artist can't at
ford to turn down. and in another
week I shall bid her farewell"
would be delighted TO come"
Beatrice exclaimed.
VIII you come tomorrow at ~"
queried Randolph.
4 think I can be there at that time"
she assented.
so be it then" declared the artist.
Il would set some other date, but 1
suppose you might hesitate to come
alone, and Mrs. Robbins and a young