Iron County news. [volume] (Hurley, Wis.) 1913-1950, 1918-11-02
THE IDEAL
By RAnsoms HARRADEn.
- a 1900 =. 80.

=
and seemed settled down into d rut
of sunny contentment. Through The
whole ncighborhood the name Rupert
Woods was one to coniure by.
So much for the surface indications,
yet the man had his ideal and led a
dream life. Just over the mantel was
n photograph Of an exquiSitely lovely
and graceful young woman. 1t set
back in deep. rich frame. When
ever Woods came home with rose
or a carnauon in his buttonhole, he
would place it next to that delicate,
Hfelike face about which he had built
up ii secret romance that pleased his
fancy and satisfied his soul.
"A sister, A relative?' once his
landlady ventured to insnuate, but
Woods only smiled in a noncommittal
way and asked with an admiring
glance at the portrait:
as she not truly sweet and beau
tfulT
It was a year ago when Woods had
secured that photograph. Always he
had a mental conception of his ideal
Of Il perfect woman. One day he stood
spellbound. His vision had material
lied. Coming out from the entrance
10 n photograph gallery was the be-
ing he had limned in fancy. Ere he
could get back to earth again. she had
disappeared in the moving crowds and
he had never seen her since.
But about two months later, passing
the same photograph rooms, in the
case outside among the exhibition por-
traits was her own. 1t was perfect
piece of artistic work. He entered
and indicated to its proprietor that he
wished TO buy a certain picture.
"Oh! we never sell those" demurred
the photographer.
"Can you tell me her namc-can
Won give me her address?' pressed the
eager Woods.
"I cannot. The young lady ordered
half n dozen. came after them. paid
for them" But then, after due per-
s1lasion and liberal money offer,
Woods succeeded in securing the prize.
That lovely picture was a comfort to
hum.
One day Woods came home i'll. and
the landlady called doctor. The lat
lie, ordered him to bed, and said to the
landlady:
"Mr. Woods Is going TO have several
weeks of Illness. | see no particular
danger. hut you had better advise
his near relatives"
"Bless you, sir" exclaimed the
whole-hearted landlady, che has told
me n hundred times he has none. No,
sir. only in the neighhorhOod. Even
the street children fairly idollze him.
he Is so kind and thoughtful Of all.
The next morning Woods was in the
throes Of fever. The doctor noticed
lying on table a lot of little sealed
and directed envelopes.
"What are those?" he inquired GU
riously.
Recreation envelopes, sir" ex-
planned the landlady. "You see, sir,
every last day of the month 1t has
been the custom of Mr. Woods to give
q lot of poor. Woodworking people a
little money. 1t may be to one fam
lily enough for weekend trip. admiS-
sion tn some entertainment. base
ball and bat for lad, a doll for
glrl, Little surprises, regular as the
sun, and, oh bringing such JOY and
gladneSs. He said last night If he was
going to be sick. he'd better arrange
for the regular donations"
"a remarkable man; certainly n
good one" mentally approved the doc
tor, Then he looked fixedly, and in
some surprise. at the photograph on
the mantel.
"Why, Who is thiS?" he inquired.
THAT he never told anybody, sir"
Or. Ransome Nelly the next morn
inc addressed Miss Eva Winton, the
YOUNG lady who had charge of the Of
fee FOR half dozen physicians
Miss Winton." he said. Il have q
patient who seems to have no friends.
end | found your photograph in his
ROOM"
How can that be?" questioned the
young lady. Il have hut six pictures,
end can account for them ALL"
well it is mystery enough. and
ny patient is interesting enough to
IN Ike me DESTROYS Of having YOU go
with me on my call today"
Miss Wnton was as much Mt sea MS
ever when she saw the photograph in
question. Woods was in mild de-
lrium. He would hahble of pretty
rural scenes. Of glowing sunsets. Then
tGe doctor and Miss Wiutou exchanged
glanceS as his mind
seemed to wander over his ideal, the
picture. its original And thus it came
ehout because the soul of the patient
revealed palace filled with only oeau-
utul thoughts, that doctor and the
girl became intensely Interested in this
strange man Who cherished this most
peculiar romance