Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1914-10-24
CHAPTER XII.
A Compromise.

Compromise.
The day on which Iris came to
Pedro's studio for her second pose was
not that which had been appointed,
but one nearly a week later. During
the intervening period the young
painter had remained locked In the
studio as long as daylight lasted,
emerging only at night, in company
with Leigh.
Pedro had given her no explanation
for putting her off, simply sending
word that he could not have her at
present, but would get some work
done on the background of the por-
trait
Iris had telephoned several futile in
yitations, and at last, catching Pedro
on the wire. had arranged for a sit
ting At the hour appointed, she
mounted the stairs slowly, with fast
beating heart. starting and trembling
at every sound within the ancient
building.
She reached the door unchallenged,
and raped upon it.
Lady! Most gracious Madonna"
he cried in greeting. See, here is the
blue robe-quick, quickI l am all i'm
patience to begin. Do you know the
good tidings? OF the ridiculously au-
dacious thing 1 am going to do? Elk
hibit my pictures! Yes, me. Pedro!
Ha! ha! am not unknown, it seems!
Read the newspapers. I am Pedro, the
great Spanish artist / do not know
how to paint, but it matters not; they
Will say an Observation-Disclosures
outdonei' Ali hal your portrait will
be the chief gem of the display. In
fNu0
must finish it soon, soonI"
During the first part of the pose, he.
contrary to his usual habit, talked rap
idly.
1T will be a lovely exhibition" said
he, there will be Leigh's stuff-beau-
tiful marbles. rich in form, and with
such textures and high lights. You
know! And the virginia. white bas-re-
hefs-the joyous one of the ladies
dancing. And around the walls, be-
tween these things will hang many
gorgeous paintings by that great Span
ish painter-myself"
Iris could not but laugh with him.
And of all these fine pictures" he
continued, the most lovely will be a
Madonna with hair that is red-gold.
like 1oyi"
Then there was silence and he
worked fercely. cruelty, for. as usual.
be forgot the rests, and it grew late
before either spoke
AT last, exhausted by the long pose,
by his Indifference. by her own emo
tons. she could bear it no longer. but
holding out her arms toward him. she
swayed slightly. and said his name In
broken voice.
"Pedroi"
Then he saw how white and drawn.
her face had become, and with a little
cry he dropped his palette and sprang
to her side.
Madonna" he said. forgive me,
Come down. So! Let me help Won.
Lie here upon this couch oh. 1 am
cruel and thoughtless!"
Whimpering a little, she chung to his
arm. burying her face in the crotch of
his elbow. fondling his hand.
Pedro, Pedro. am so tiredl" she
said over and over again.
Il know! A little sherry," he ex-
claimed "a bite of luncheon, You
will see now what a splendid house
wife can really be, at need. We will
have charming meal directly"
He poured wine into an antfoue
Venetian glass, and brought it to her
clasping both her hands about the
fragile thing as one would clasp a
child's unframed fingers around a
precious toy
Drink" he commanded, "and lie
quite still with your lovely head
among the caressing pillows. You are
an eastern queen now. and I your