New Britain herald., 1915-12-17
How Dicky Won His Model.


 House. after Dicky had casually said that he was an artist who often sketched in the vicinity. Mrs. Cor man and her beautiful sister, Miss Draper stared at him with some hid- den emotion which we could not read. Dicky and I were too much astonished at their reception of his remark to say anything.
 Finally, Miss Draper picked up the serving tray, and hurried into the kitchen Mrs. German wiped her eyes as she saw her sisters departure.
 You mustn't think we're queer," she said at length. But I suppose you're saying you were an artist brought all her trouble back to Grace l.oor girl.' Mrs. Gorman's eyes threat ened to overflow again.
 'If it wouldn't trouble you too much, tell us about it. Dicky's voice was gentle, inviting. Perhaps we could help you."
 I looked at him curiously. Evi- den'tly Dicky regarded this opportun- ity as 8 direct intervention of Provi- dence From the moment he had caught sight of Miss Draper in the Pennsylvania railroad station in New York in the morning he had raved to- me about her beauty and grace, say irg she was just the type he wished for a set of Illustrations he had been commissioned to do The coincidence of finding her in this quaint little house to which we had been directed as a place where we could secure a dinner had whetted his interest in Ter. I had sudden swift prem oni tion that I should see much of Miss nyo nlt +~1l myself
 II don't think anybody can help" Mrs. German shook her head sadly. "You see, ever since Grace was a baby, almost, she has wanted to draw things. I brought her up. I was the oldest and she the youngest of soon after she was born. I was mar lied shortly afterward. and from the time she could hold a pencil in her hands she has drawn pictures on everything she could lay her hands on. In school she was always at the head of her class in drawing but there was no money to give her any lessons, so she didn't get very far. Since she left school she has been planning every way to save money enough to go to an art school, but something always hinders'' The Amazing Offer.
 Mrs. German paused only to take breath. Having broken her reserve she seemed unable to stop talking ''She went into a dressmaking shop as soon as she left school-I had taught her to sew beautifuly-think- ing she could earn money enough | .l~
 have a term in an art school. But her health broke down at the sewing. and I had her home here year.' I remembered the remarkable ap- rearance of costly attire Miss Draper station. This, then. was the solution. She had made them all herself! "Then she got another position" Mrs. Gorman's voice faltercd In- l tritively I felt. that there was some l thing about this last position that the 1 elder sister did not approve. 'Rut 1 just as she was getting somewhere the firm failed on account of the war and 1 she came home this morning, clear 1 discouraged It's the first time I ever saw her give up hope. It's no use. Kate she said to me today. I'm going to give it all up, and get a job 1 in a store somewhere if I can.'
 Miss Draper came into the room in l time to hear Mrs. Germans last words. She walked swiftly to her sisters side, her eyes blazing.
 Kate she said, her voice low but tense with emotion. 'Why are you troubling these strangers with my | affairs?"
 Before Mrs. German could answer l Dicky interposed.
 "Just minute. please" he said au- thoritatively. As it happens, Miss Draper, I am in a position to make a proposition to you concerning em- ployment which will provide you with same time enable you to pursue your studies"
 Mrs. German uttered an ejaculation
 of joy, but Miss Draper said nothing g l cnlV looked steadily at him.
 This girl has had lessons in a hard school.' I said to myself. ''She ha: learned to distrust men, and to doubt any proposed kindness
 T have been commissioned to do 6
 set of illustrations, Dicky went on
 in which the central figure is young girl in the regulation summer cos
 tune, such as you have on. I have
 tcen unable to find a satisfactor,
 model for the pictures. If you vii
 allow me to say so you are just thu
 type I wish for the drawings. If yo,
 will pose for them I will give you $5(
 and buy you a monthly commutatiol
 ticket from Marvin so that you will have no expense coming or going
 There are several artist friends D
 mine who have been looking for
 model of your type. I think vol
 could safely count upon an income o
 $40 or $50 week after you ge
 started. I know there are severa ! ti,o Il I laC ind i,