South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-06-14
An Idea on the Wing
By Archey Cameron New

Phil Lederer returned TO his
studio from the art academy exhibit
ton in no pleasant frame of mind.
he was stale-he savagely remem-
bered Murtrirs criticism, Murtril,
that big hoggish lout with his pop
eyes. and his contented smirk.
Bertram had won the grand prize
again! Bertram-his classmate at
the academy. whom the crowd had
laughed at because MS foliage look
ed like consumptive spinach. The
professor had even said SC at that
time. And now this hermit had
sent in from some wild place miles
away from the Big Life another
fresh theme in oils, and had walked
away with the coveted distinction.
True. Phil grudgingly acknowl-
edged, The Mirror of Life" had
freshness, originality-life. He re-
membered even now, as he sat in a
| big. broad arm chair before his or
nate fireplace. with its hand
wrought iron and glitterins tongs.
and gazed at The blazing gaslogs,
of Bertram's pine trees. he could al
most taste the brackish sweetness
of the little brook. and as for the
girl in the picture-pshaw they
didn't exist like her.
The door opened softly. and a
dark haired little nymph glded over
| to Phils side and patted him affec-
tionately on the shoulder. then
squatted herself nimbly on a small
foot stool near him. and stared into
the fireplace. waiting for him TO
speak. The model knew Phirs
moods. and respected them. But he
continued TO stare savagely at the
sputering logs, and finally she
spoke.
who won?" she asked, in a tone
Of easy comraderie. ANY of our
crowd"
Phil stared at her abstractedly,
then shook his head.
NO" he answered. briefly. Der
tram"
"Bertram ?" she echoed. queruI-
ously. Never heard of him"
Naturally you wouldn't" growl-
ed Phil because you've never been
over ten miles from Washington
square"
She ignored the slight, and pull
ing from her waist a tiny powder
puff. dabbed it at her impudent lit
tie nose.
That's far enough for me" she
answered. lightly. i get lost away
| from the asphalt. and the soma
phores. Where's he live-this Ber-
tram-Hicktown. Rute-onia Coun-
ty. New Yorick? -
Phil. staring at her nose. paid no
attention TO her levity.
Il was just thinking" he said,
harshly. how good it would seem
TO see a woman's nose without that
stuff on it."
Sorry can't oblige YOU" she re-
/ piled. iRdiffereRtly. but I hate
shiny ones. You're right cheerful
| tonight, aren't YOU ,"
"Oh. 1 wasn't complaining OF
noses in particular" Phil apologized
| hastily Il was thinking generally
I'd like 10 see a big. red-brick Ere
place. with big. real oak logs burn
ing in il. instead Of those make-be-
Heve things in there" He waved
his hand CONTEMPORARY towards
the fireplace.
You could never stand it," she
told him. frankly matter-of-fact
You'd have TO remove the ashes
and drag in new logs now and then
You're too used 10 chipping James
light the fire. And serve dinner in
here Yes. a chop or an egg viii
do. I'm not hungry
Nor am I, generally" was his
prompt retort. Eating cold stor-
age eggs. and cold storage meat
and cold storage germs I'd just
love 10 sit down 10 a great big
country FANNY dinner, with fresh
oh, 1 hate 10 think Of e" He rose
Iimpatiently. and wandered over L.
a table. followed by the girls
amused grin.
He cook up a paper absently and
scanned it. then turned 10 the girl
BY George. Haz." he exclaimed
I'm coins 10 root old friend Der
tram out Train leaves for his place
at nine in the morning. III see
what II is that gets into his system
Maybe ! can get an idea on the
wing. and bring home a winner
Great Hey. Collins.'
The curtains parted. and Phir'
man appeared.
sling some things together fol
me I'm going of tomorrow for 9
week" The man bowed and with
drew, then Phil turned TO the model
Have 10 discontinue The Hear
OF MeduSa Haz." ne told her
Alphabetically that is. for a while.
He noted her hooking grin and rat
tied on. 1T might be longer thar
YOU think. feel I'm going 10 Ike
H. Here, you'n need some none!