Catoctin clarion., 1917-08-02
NO. 21.

Ward & Chandler's forthwith. He
stated his mission. The store manager
smiled as he preferred his request for
the calendar.
"Sorry," he said; tive have had con-
stant calls for that calendar, although
1t is two years since we distributed
limited number. One of our new ones,
now"
mo" demurred Ray. "A young
lady friend Of mine was particularly
attracted by the one described. Dear
Heart 1t was called, think"
you're right" nodded the manager.
ut was quite hit for Paul Winters,
the artist who made the original"
"Who's he?" inquired Ray.
"A young artist, and, say, l think we
have his address. Yes, here 1t is," and,
consulting card, he announced:
"Webster building"
"Thank you," spoke Ray, and ten
minutes l9ter reached the address CIV
en-. The building was given over to
Offices and studios. He arrived at a
room on its top floor, to be admitted
to dingy poorly furnished apart
ment. A young man with worn, but
intellectual face answered to Paul
Winters, and Ray stated the object Of
his call. The artists face was illum-
ined by transient smile.
II am pleased to think that my hum
bic effort IS priced so highly" he said.
Miss Eastburn tells me that the
face In your picture has appeared to
her as the most beautiful she has ever
seem" explained Ray.
"It's original was that of my mother
when she was young girl" said the
artist reverently, In q low, intense
tone. IF you will leave me the adj
dress, will send copy to Miss East
burn. I think know where can get
one"
"And any expense you may be put
to-" began Ray, but the other silenced
him with a quick gesture Of pride and
that was the end of the interview.
Ray left the place, feeling that the
surroundings and appearance of this
gracious donor did not indicate free
dom from illness, perhaps poverty, but
he saw no way to follow out an im-
pulse to proffer aid that appealed to
his sympathetic mind.
1t was the next day THAI Phyllis,
running down the front steps of her
home, halted with a shock. A young
man who walked as though weak or
i'll, had advanced from the street into
the grounds. Suddenly he tottered,
sank to rustic seat, closed his eyes
and fell over to one side, Frustrated.
There was something in his face
that at once attracted Phyllis. She
started in speedy comprehension as a
roll dropped from his hand, and,
spreading open, revealed the coveted
calendar poster. Then she sped back
into the house, reappearing with her
elder brother and excitedly chattering
forth her suspicion that the insensible
visitor was the artist whom Ray had
seen. Ray, himself, appeared on the
scene at that moment. The artist par
TALLY recovered. His tired, mournful
eyes rested fascinated upon the eager,
sympathetic face of Phyllis.
'If this II Miss Eastburn," he spoke
with some difficulty "I have brought
the picture you seemed to like"
"How can thank your" Phyllis ex-
pressed herself warmly. $50 much
trouble, and you are ill?'
"My auto Is at the curb and I will
be glad to see you home, Mr.. Winters"
said Ray, and assisted the artist to
the street. "Now then," he added per-
emptorily, when they were alone In
the machine, "it is my home you are
going to. Come, old fellow! | can
read your trouble and I'm man enough
to risk offending your pride by insist
ing upon helping you.'
He had guessed right. Dark days
had come for Paul Winters-poverty.
the actual lack of sustaining food.
His pride broke down under the kind
ly influence of the genuine friendly
sympathy of Ray Lands.
1t was Ray who put him on his feet
again. 1t was Phyllis who cooper
ated in making his visits to the East
burn home periods Of full content and
happiness for the young artist. And
one day Ray woke up to the fact that
Phyllis, who had loved him through
the years only in sisterly way, had.
like himself, found her real affinity.
always good friends-oh, never
otherwise" said Phyllis one day when
they were revealed soul to soul. "And
you have further blessed my life by
bringing into it the being who has
rounded its completeness