The Delta independent., 1915-07-09
Several days later. Samson was

Several days later, Samson was
alone in Lescott's studio. 1t was near
ing twilight, and he had laid aside a
volume of De Maupassant. whose SIM
pie power had beguiled him. The door
opened, and he saw the figure of a
woman on the threshold. The boy
rose somewhat shyly from his seat,
and stood looking at her. She was as
richly dressed as Miss Starr had been,
but there was the same difference as
between the colors of the sunset sky
and the exaggerated daubs of Collas-
SOS landscape. She stood at the door
a moment and then came forward
with her hand outstretched
This is Mr. South, isn't it," she
asked. with a frank friendliness in
her voice.
Yes, maam, that's my name"
I'm Adrienne Lescott," said the
girl. Il thought Id find my brother
here. stopped by to drive him up
town"
Samson had hesitatingly taken the
gloved hand. and its grasp was firm
and strong despite it's ridiculous
smallness.
Il reckon he'll be back presently"
The boy was in doubt as to the proper
procedure This was Lescott's studio.
and he was not certain whether or not
it lay in his province to invite Les.
colts sister to take possession of 1t.
Possibly. he ought to withdraw. His
ideas of social usages were very vague.
Then. think I'll wait" announced
the girl. She threw off her fur coat.
and took a seat before the open crate.
The chair was large, and swallowed
her up.
Samson wanted to look at her, and
was afraid that this would be impolite.
He realized that he had seen no
real ladies'. except on the street, and
now he had the opportunity.
I'm glad of this chance to meet
you. Mr.. South" said the girl with a
smile that found Its way to the boys
heart. After all. there was sincerity
in foreign" women. George talks OF
you SO much that ! feel as If I'd known
you all the while. Don't you think
might claim friendship with Georges
friends?"
Samson had no answer. He wished
to say something equally cordial. but
the old instinct against effusiveness
tied his tongue.
Il owe right smart to George Les
cott.' he told her, gravely.
That's not answering my question"
she laughed. DO you consent to be-
ing friends with me?"
Miss" began the boy. Then. real
izing that in New York this form of
address is hardly complete. he hast
ened to add: Miss Lescott, I've been
here over nine months now, and I'm
Just beginning to realize what a rube
l am. haven't no" Again. he broke
of, and laughed at himself Il mean,
haven't any Idea OF proper manners.
and so I'm. as we would say down
home, plumb skeered' OF ladies'"
As he accused himself. Samson was
looking at her with unblinking direct
ness; and she met his glance with
eyes that twinkled.
'Mr. South" she said. Il know all
about manners. and you know all
about a hundred real things that !
want to know. Suppose we begin
teaching each other?"
Samson's face lighted with the rev.
olutionizing effect that a smile can
bring only to features customarily
solemn.
Miss Lescott.' he said. lets call
that a trade-but you're gettin' all
the worst Of 1t. To start with. you
might give me a lesson right now in
how a feller ought to act. when he's
talkin' to a lady-how / ought to act
with you"
Her laugh made the situation as
easy as an old shoe.
Ten minutes later. Lescott entered.
WELL" he said, with a smile. shall
] introduce you people. or have you
already done 1t for yourselves?"
oh" Adrienne assured him, Mr..
South and l are old friends" As she
left the room, she turned and added:
1.-THE second lesson had better be at
my house. II telephone you some
day when we can have the school-room
to ourselves, will you come up?"
Samson grinned and forgot to be
bashful as he replied:
I'll come a-kitin'"