The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1937-11-09
j 7 LII ...: ~: ; !: :: ::::: b.
copuishs 1907. NsA sscies. Inc

fascinated and excited. He really
was q grand painter, wasn't he?
He would 90 places. And any girl
who got him would go places, toe.
Ardath was of that type who
knew only one way to get a man.
Entrap him with physical weap-
OnS. Her lips curved into warm
invitation again.
But her most alluring express
Sions were evidently being lost
upon Alan. She began to droop
in weary defeat.
Wake up" Alan cried out with
professional ruthlcSsneSs.
Lets quit" Ardath suggested,
suddenly. "Tm--I guess Pm too
tired to sit still any longer. It's
late, and there's tomorrow. You
don't have to punch a clock at s
a. M. do you?'
I'm afraid I've been selfish, !"
Alan said, cOmpaSsionately. Pm
fearfully sorry. I'll make this up
20 you. Models are well paid, you
know"
"Oh. skip it," Ardath said. Il
don't want any money. 1t wasn't
SO bad. really. Let's see what
you've done
Alan threw Il cover over the
canvas. Wait until its finished.
I'm afraid YOU wouldn't under
stand po,y what Pm trying 70 do.
I'll call a taxi for you now"
a taxi" Ardath breathed. 81
couldn't be walking in on my
landlady at an hour like tins.
She's awfully strict, you see.
Alan did see. She had believed
this was one of those cheap adj
ventures. Only it wouldn't be.
He tried TO keep the contempt
out of his voice, to make it sound
casual.
you want to stay here, them
IF YOU don't mind. | could just
curl up in Il big chair some
where"
Il wouldn't be- comfortable at
all sleeping in my bed. I've : bet
ter idea. I'm going TO let you
sleep there, while | go out for a
walk. | frequently walk for hours
when Pm restless"
And you're restless now" Ar
oath asked, her eyes on his.
YES" Alan replied.
"I'll come back in time TO take
you out to breakfast" Alan said.
Ardath didn't speak for a mo-
ment. Put me out on the door
step if you like" Her voice was
choked. IL don't want TO run you
out"
You're not running me out. ]
like nothing better than tramp
i'm a snow. You've been gooC
sport about the picture. Now tr,"
TO get some sleep"
Ardath persisted. ut seems
silly for YOU to leave. If you're
thinking about my reputation
you needn't. I'm not conven-
tional person"
NO" Alan said, his eyes meet
ing hers steadily. IL wasn't
thinking of that. Besides the
night is already over. It's close
TO ) o'clock"
He went out, closing the door
behind him.
Ardath went back into the bed
room slowly. The covered canvas
met her eyes, and angrily she
turned back the cover.
For a moment she stood regard
ing it blankly. Her own face, her
own features. And yet it wasn't
her. The soft, shining radiance
on the face of the woman on the
canvas bewildered her. Her lips
had never curved in the sweet
and gentle way this woman'S did.
Getting q soul, he had said,
The arrogant fool, He had used
her to paint this silly picture. He
had been making fun of her all
the time.
In a blind fury, Ardath struck
the canvas violently.
All he had wanted was to paint
like this. Well, he wouldn't have
the picture.
She would leave before he came
back. Just as soon as it was light.
But she would leave a little re-
minder of her visit.
With quick, savage fingers, she
tore the picture from the easel,
rolled it tightly and went over to
the fire.
For a moment, smoke curled
about the canvas. Then, greedy