The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1914-12-03

Willis made no reply. He seized the
loaf Of bread with the flerceness Of q
famished animal, tore a handful from
its soft mellow heart and crowded 1t
into his mouth. Once he choked as II
with direful humiliation. Once the
tears fell over the loaf His visitor
watched him with sober. plying eyes.
That's BETTER" observed the artist,
striving to appear satisfied. Anything
! new"
The other came close up to him. He
placed a trembling hand on the shout
! der Of the artist
las bad as that" he said In a sub.
, dued tone. Il never guessed it.
| there"
He placed his hand in his pocket
and drew out some money, counted It,
doubled the amount. Willis recounted
it and pushing back the excess sym
pathy had impelled. saying:
my rightful hire, Morse. You're q
good fellow just the same"
There Is something else" Morse
said. the Calendar Girl"
q colored crayqp sketch. Willis glanced
at 1t with swimming eyes.
mo-" he said resolutely.
why not?" urged Morse. "You
know 1t was made for that rich manu-
facturer. Payne. who is so proud of
his daughter. He has been at tho
Office after the original crayon."
1T is mine, money will not buy it."
said Willis sententiously and bowed
his visitor from the room.
Buy it-as soon would he sell his
soul! In his poetic way the work on
that picture. taken from an oil paint
ing, had been the inspiration of his
| recent life.
Willis had the first full meal Of
weeks that day. for he had money now.
The rescue was too late, however. He
awoke the next morning in a burning
! fever.
There was only the woman in charge
Of the apartments to nurse him. That
afternoon stylish automobile drove
up. A young lady alighted. She was
the original of the Calendar Girl.
When she knocked at the door of the
artists room the old woman met her.
HE has been going on all day that
way, she said.
Miss Elinor Payne had come, ho-
ping to prevail upon Willis to sell her
the picture. But now-she stood in q
strange maze listening to the ceaseless
babble of his parched lips.
His CLASSY eyes were fixed upon the
picture. The lone burden of his mind
had given way. In poetry, In wild
passionate appeal he was telling that
mute companion Of his lonely life the
secret Of his love-how he adored the
lovely face his art had perpetuated.
Never had the fair innocent girl been
so moved. Tears were in her eyes az
she noted the wretchedness of this
poor soul. whose delicate face showed
the lineaments of genius.
Everything must be done to save SO
precious life," she told the woman
Then day after day for q week some
irresistible influence drew her to the
place which her money transformed
into haven of comfort.
One day she came when the mourn
full eyes Of the artist we're once more
calm and clear. The crayon was gone
from its accustomed place. He handed
1t to her done up in paper.
Il have learned Of all your kind
ness" he said simply.
"You wish me to take the picture 2
she asked.
1T Is yours. have seen you II
reality-there is a more lasting por
traiture in my heart"
He spoke with the desperation ant
disappointment Of fitting spirit.
"You must live!" she cried impul
sively. reading the oracle aright-"fol
my sake-will you not?"
His soulful eyes strove to read tn,
secret Of that beautiful face. To Elinol
he was as being above the common
She flushed. The admiration of hi,
glance thrilled her.
you must let me drive you each day
till you get WE'LL" she said.
And that was the beginning of tn,
beautiful end that saw two harmonioul
.. souls Joined In undying love and Joy.
Copyright. 1914. by w. q. Chapman)