The Spectator., 1915-07-06
MISS HOlLyHOCKs
By CAROL BAlN.

close to the fence so that he could look over the palings and down that rosy vista of hollyhocks. The cottage beyond the hollyhocks was quite hid den from view by the dropping branches of chinaberry tree. In the path between the rows of holly hooks stood a girl in pink dimity frock. The skirt was frilled to the waist with tiny pink ruffles. pink sunbonnet hid her face.
 My medal picture!" exclaimed the artist, opening his paint box T don't know what she's looking at, but if she'll only hold that pose for a few minutes longer"
 With swift, sure strokes he outlined the girls pliant form in its quaint gown of the newest fashion-a mod ern adaptation of an old style. She was facing the hollyhocks and look ing intently at something on a round, green hollyhock leaf One slender white hand and rounded wrist were stretched cautiously out, and one lit tie foot in its high-heeled slipper ap- peared beneath the short skirt.
 She scarcely seemed to breathe, and five minutes passed before he drew back quickly while a great golden but terfy fluttered up and out of sight among the trees.
 Even then she did not face him, but turned toward the cottage and van- | ished in bend of the path. 1 The following winter Wade New tons picture, Miss Hollyhocks," car ried off the coveted prize.
 
 But why won't you sell the pic ture?" insisted Henderson, lighting another cigarette. Wade Newton glanced across his studio where Miss Hollyhocks" was placed on an easel
 'It isn't a girl you know, is it?' went on Henderson, stroking his tiny mustache.
 Never saw her face" said Newton. Then, why"
 Because I have curiosity to dis cover her for myself. Confidentially Ned, Miss Hollyhocks brought me
  ing to marry her some day"
 Idiot" gibed Henderson drawing on his gloves But suppose you can go down and find her in the old gar den any time you please"
 T wish I could" returned the other with sigh
 What do you mean?"
 nYo,, I woe oo1Ie5 soon as I finished that picture. When I returned I went immediately to Sleepy Valley where I had chanced upon the garden, but the girl and her people had vanished as the rose of yesterday It seems they had only hired the place for three months and beyond learning that the name was Smith came back as wise as went
 Smith! I like Miss Hollyhocks better!" said Henderson. "Of course she might have been homely as sin but. believe me. Wade, only a girl with a peachy complexion will guard it with a sunbonnet"
 Newton laughed indulgently q be lieve the pink sunbonnet has set you | a lo uitdullHS, lOO, iS
 Well, by-by; I'm off" said Tender son Wire me when you find Miss Hollyhocks."
 ''I will agreed Newton. He dismissed the picture and the unknown girl from his thoughts and dressed for dinner. He had promised to dine with the Colemans, who had just returned from years travel abroad. Their daughter Dorothy, had held Wade's heart in the hollow of her hand for many months. only she did not know it. Wade was not sure of it himself. for his girl of the holly hooks intruded her mysterious per sonality every time confession hov- cred on the tip of Wades tongue.
 Dorothy is in the library, Mir. Newton" said Mrs. Coleman as she greeted the painter She wanted me to send you to her as soon as you ar rived"
 With a light step Wade entered the library and closed the door behind him. Then he stood as though para lyzed.
 Over in the embrasure of the bow window there stood a noble palm. In the shadow of 1t was a girl in pink sunbonnet and pink frilled gown, She might have stepped out of his picture!
 Who is it?" he asked quickly.
 She stood motionless, one slender white hand extended toward the palm leaves.
 In three strides Newton had crossed the room and stood beside her. He bent his head and peered around un- der the pink sunbonnet. A charming pink and white face, pair of blue eyes and enticing lips. Newton kissed her then and there.
 "Ohi" she cried and stenned hack