The Holt County sentinel. (Oregon, Mo.) 1883-1980, 1919-09-05

day, but Il didn't bring even one atom
Of the Joy that my frst hard-earned
check gave me. I have everything on
earth that money can buy
"But why didn't you keep up your
art work-your Bohemian friends
wouldn't that have helped to make
you happy7" West was kindly sympa-
thetic. but there was beginning great
urge within him 10 try to keep this
rare girl within his circle. II seemed
sheer and unauthorized madness to
want to keep her, since she was mar
ried TO q wealthy man and her fancy
for Bohemian life and studio days
were perhaps but passing desires. but
there-she was answering his ques-
ton.
ut was not worth while my work
ing at art when didn't have to. II r
had possessed genius or even a great
degree OF talent would have kept
at II. But I only have talent enough
to keep the wolf from the door. AZ for
my Bohemian friends-well. I tried
keeping them In my life, but my hus
band called them all nuts and made
me so unhappy about them That gnvc
them oil up. OIL Just can't tell you
what Il means to me to be actually
back here with a smock on sitting In
my very own studio"
1--WE won't quarrel either about the
studio or the smock." said West. II
am only glad that happen to be the
tenant here while you have chosen to
play at studio days again"
$50 am l." greeted Gretchen and
gnzed contentedly ut the slim boyish
man the while she realized that he pos
sessed tremendous charm. Il might
have found a crusty old maid who
| wouldn't let me In ut all." She was
| thoughtful for so long while that
West looked apprehenslvely ut her
| und wondered II he had done anything
| To dlsplensc her. But before he could
form words to inquire. Gretchen asked
cunxlngly: Are you going TO want me
to come ngalni'
| West was Just n bit puzzled. Ha
also knew that he wanted her very.
very much indeed. II was difficult to
know how best to express his thoughts.
lie decided thut his habitual frnnkness
was the best course and after that sho
must take the situation In her own
hands.
"You hive asked me a straight Ques.
ton. little wrnith." no sald and
despite himself a great softncss crept
into his voice and eyes, so must tell
you that II had my own way ] would
not let you so out OF the studio again.
You have come In Of your own free
will just TO humor within which will
perhaps pass ns quickly as II came.
but you have thrust something into my
studio and into my soul that I desire
greatly TO keep"
| so brilliant color famed into
Gretchen's cheeks and 80 tremendous
u light Into her eyes that West
stopped speaking. lie had annoyed
her beyond forgiveness.
The sun trailed down and AWAY
from the window. leaving but the
steady warm glow OF twilight.
81 should not have told you this" he
continued finally; "you are the wife OF
another man"
"But I'm n0t-now," Gretchen put
In quickly. TREMENDOUSLY. II would not
have come back TO studio days had he
been still living. And now I'm all
alone with 50 much money that II
weighs me down and Just want 10
come back TO Bohemia and paint
dreadful pictures and get snlppy little
checks for them and" II was she now
: who stopped, blinded by the happiness
that Vests eyes reflected.
''Then you are free-free 10 ait At
| my tea cart every day-free 10 let me
keep that which has come into my
heart and free to be happy In the dear
old studio way?"
, Gretchen nodded silently and be
cause West wanted TO take her In his
, arms hut didn't think Il quite the
, thing he walked over 10 the window
and stood looking out at the twilight
, Gretchen arose swiftly and stood be
side him her slim hand touching his
sleeve.
, Love makes the world a very won
, derful place 10 live In. doesn't itY' she
asked softly.
THAT smock Is 20 absurdly big II II
: difficult to ind you In It," observed
' West.
E "stiil. feel that you found me-
I laughed Gretchen as together they
y gazed happily out over the housetopl
| from the studio window.