The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1915-08-13
MISS HoLLYHoCks
BY CAROL Balm.

look over the palings and down that
rosy vists Of hollyhocks. The cottage
beyond the hollyhocks was quite hid
de., from view by the dropping
branches of chinaberry tree. In
the path between the rows of holly
hooks stood girl in pink dimity
frock. The skirt was frilled to the
waist with tiny pink ruffies. pink
sunbonnet hid her face.
MY medal picture," exclaimed the
artist, opening his paint box. Il don't
know what she's looking at, but II
she'll only hold that pose for few
minutes longer"
With swift, sure strokes he outlined
the girls plant 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 round,
green hollyhock leaf One slender
white hand and rounded wrist were
stretched cautiously out, and one lit
tie foot in it's high-heeled slipper APP
peared beneath the short skirt.
She scarcely seemed to breathe, and
five minutes passed before he drew
back quickly while 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.
The following winter Wade New
toms 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.
1T isn't girl you know, is it,"
went on Henderson, stroking his tiny
mustache.
Never saw her face said Newton.
Then, why"
Because / have a curiosity to dis
cover her for myself. Confidentially
Ned, Miss Hollyhocks brought me
fame and number Of orders. I'm 60
ilS " marry utT SOIllt udy.
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"
| Il wish / could" returned the other
with a sigh.
| What do you mean?"
you know | was called abroad as
soon as | finished that picture. When
| returned / went Immediately to
Sleepy Valley where / had CHANGED
upon the garden but the girl and her
people had vanished as the rose OF
| yesterday 1t 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 peachy complexion will guard
| it with a sunbonnet.'
Newton laughed indulgently. 81 be
lieve the pink sunbonnet has set you
to dreaming. too" he said.
We'll, by-by; I'm Off" said Hender
son. Wire me when you find Miss
| Hollyhocks"
Il 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 hao
just returned from years trave
abroad. Their daughter, Dorothy, had
held Wade's heart in the hollow of heI
hand for many months, only she die
not know it. Wade was not sure OF
1t himself, for his girl of the holly
hooks intruded her mysterious per
sonality every time confession how
cred on the tip of Wade's tongue
Dorothy is in the library, Mr.
Newton said Mrs. Coleman as she
greeted the painter. she wanted me
to send you to her as soon as you ar
rived"
With 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 a 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.
OH" she cried, and stepped back
Dorothy, darling, / never dreamed
i never guessed-that you were my
hollyhock GIRL" he breathed rapidly
his eyes afire. What were you do
ing there in Happy Valley, and why
didn't you tell me that you were stop
ping there? Who are the Smiths, any
way?"
1rtA n<