The Washington times., 1938-01-06

| le1G he WdIlIeu W Cdhe LOG4lIllS
which would remind him of Lynn.
For Rene knew now that he must
go and go soon. No matter what
happened to the painting he
wanted to leave this place.
All that last week before Christ
mas Lynn kept coming to the
studio, her arms full of bundles.
There was all the shopping for
the Christmas party. She rushed
out on her lunch hour every noon
to make purchases, and when
night came Wild helped her get
them home. Wild had helped her
select the luggage she had bought
for Rene's gift.
1T must be practical, for he'll
live in his suitcases for a long
time" she had said. She had
done her best. Rene would sail in
great style.
do you think we're being too
optimistic about his winning?"
she asked as they left the leather
shop.
"I think that picture will knock
them cold. I know it did me, y
Wild said.
At that moment Lynn's emerald
ring lay in his vest pocket. Wild
could scarcely wait to slip it on
to her finger.
CHAPTER XIII
AWARD
Three days before Christmas an
announcement of the Guggenheim
Award was made. 1t was Marty
who came pounding into Rene's
studio breathleSS one morning as
Rene and Lynn were at work on
a spring cover picture.
you've won! You did It'll"
Marty pumped Rene's hand, kissed
Lynn and danced her about the
place. The branches of apple bios
SONS fell awry as they swung
about, and Lynn could have wept
with pride for Rene.
Rene took the whole thing
calmly. 1t was as though he hao
known all along.
Rene went back to his easel az
though he were accustomed tt
such honors every day.
MY God, man, aren't you
glad?"
"Yes, suppose I am" He be
gan painting again at Lynn'S di
aphanous green frock.
Rene finally sent Marty on, fol
he said he wanted to finish that
March cover that day. But when
Marty had gone Rene seemed tc
have no heart for his paint
brushes. He threw them down
went over to the couch and threw
himself upon it.
"Well, this is the end, Lynn"
END, Rene?" Lynn turned to
ward him, myStified. 'It is the
beginning-the beginning of really
great things for you!"
Great pictures, maybe. I don't
know" He sat up and faced Lynn
You are glad I'm going. I know
ycU are!"
Rene, I'm glad for you-de
lighted, happy E. everything! 1t
means your whole career"
Rene could not speak, watching
her happy face. II suppose it
does" His voice sounded muffled
"I'l miss you, Lynn"
"I'll miss you, Rene"
"No, you won't. You'll feel free ~
He got up and went over to his
desk and began hunting through
one of the drawers. He took out
a pile of crumpled bills.
Here it is. I've got it together
You can go to Reno and get di
vorce when I'm gone. I promised
you I'd help you"
Lynn stood looking at the bills
on the table. Tears were running
down her cheeks now.
cts no use, Rene. I can't dc
that now. It's too late"
Too late for lot of things!
Rene cursed himself for the foo
he was. If he'd only realized be
fore how much he loved her. he
could have tried to win her. She
depended on him, turned to him.
Lynn picked up the money and
went over and put it back into
Rene's desk. you've been a real
friend, Rene"
Then Rene said something he
had been trying to explain for a
long time:
Without you, Lynn, I couldn't
have worked as I have. I don't
know what I can do when I go on
alone"
II know! You will be a great
artist, Rene!"
To Lynn, Rene was a beloved
brother, friend with a God-given
talent.
Nothing can stop you now
Nothing!"
What about you when I am
gomez"
Lynn choked back her sobs. "I'l,
be all right. I know what you are
thinking, Rene. I'll tell him. Right
after Christmas, I'll tell him.
can't spoil things for him. now
Rene watched her face care
fully:
You're sure you love him?"
"I'll always love him, Rene. nc
matter what happens"
Then the newspaper men came
Wild heard the news, read it ir
the morning paper at breakfast
and came to see Rene as soon as
possible. He arrived while the
newspaper men were still there.
Congratulations" he called as
he came in Immediately after his
knock. The PHOTOGRAPHERS were