Argosy and Railroad Man's Magazine, Vol. 107 No. 3 — page 127: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE DEVIL’S RIDDLE. He looked at her in blank astonishment, _then burst into such fits of laughter that Paul Evers called back to know the joke. He was more amused than the occasion seemed to warrant, but Esther’s sense of humor dominated and she joined him. The laugh lightened her troubles... “You are a little goose, Esther,” Philip said when he could speak. ‘“‘ You are so old, so world-wise; so free from false modesty in some ways, and so young and prudish in others. it is astonishing! Oh, well, that’s what makes it a delight to be with you. Just think, though, of the pretty frocks you could have to wear!” His eyes Awinkled as though he reserved some secret joke from her. ‘“‘ That wouldn’t make up,” she answered seriously. “I’ve found that pretty clothes and admiring looks don’t go far toward making up to you when the spirit inside of you isn’t satisfied.” ‘“‘ A few-hours a day posing will pay for a nice little suite of rooms in a nice little hotel, and all the leisure you want for study. My services as master and manager I donate,” he finished grandiosely. “That would be fine,” Esther mused, ‘“‘ to have all the time I wanted, here, where books are free, and—and you to help me— but—” ““Here’s an- excellent place to have lunch,” ‘said Paul, stopping before a way- side inn. They entered,- and the waiter piloted them through the eating, drinking, merry throng. She wondered if they felt so merry a8 they seemed—if they had no-canker deep buried in their hearts. Perhaps they had. Perhaps that was why they drained so many glasses. “ Drink and be merry.” The artist was ordering champagne—the one drink she really liked. She had tasted it but twice—once when a manager had given a wedding supper to two of his pegple, and once when Burt had sent her a bottle. He had laughed about her expensive tastes, saying there was no danger of her ever be- coming a “ soak.” Poor old Burt! Soche had had his little tragedy, too. Whoever would think it—to see him? As Maida had said: “So irre- sponsible!”’ Poor Maida! How horrible to 469 throw oneself away like that! Beauty, talent, youth—all burned out by drink! And— “What will you have as an appetizer, Miss Bowles?” the artist was saying. . ‘‘No—no—” she answered hastily, “nothing. Nothing to drink, thank you.” Beauty, talent, youth— “Cancel the wine order, waiter,” Evers commanded. ‘Oh, no, don’t do that; you drink—you and Philip. Please! Don’t let me—”’ ‘‘ What you hate we forbid at our table,” he replied lightly. ‘““ Now, Miss Bowles,” Paul Evers said as the first course was brought, “ will you tell me why you hesitated about posing for me?” “She objects to the laughed Philip. “Oh!” the artist ejacylated. . didn’t you explain, Philip?” The expression of his face somehow shamed Ker, She felt as if she had called his attention to something vulgar that he had not before thought of. She went crim- son, and again Philip laughed as though at a private joke. ’ “You see, Miss Bowles,”’ Paul said, ‘“‘ we rarely—almost never use the same model for a complete picture. I frequently use one for the head, another for the torso, and perhaps another for the hands, and still an- other for the feet. Sometimes more than that, though rot’ often. Beauty, as you heard me describe her, has your head, but she is long-limbed. I have the model for her torso, and was merely waiting for her head.” “TI should have told you, Esther,” laughed Philip, “‘ but you are such a little goose. I should think you might use Miss Bowles for other pictures, too,” he said to the artist. = Oh, yes, indeed, - Paul Evers’s rarely beautiful smile flashed out. “If Miss Bowles will—” ‘““T should love to,” Esther replied. need work badly, and—”’ “Then we will begin to-morrow, if that suits you.” He poured her a glass of water. ‘“‘ It does suit me very well.” “I may say,” put in Philip grandly, ‘ altogether,’ ”’ “ Why oT ELOOO Co S Co mM