Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1883-10-30
AN OLD MANS DECEIT.

hmonK tne seSerai pictures hanging
upon the walls Of my little sitting room
there is bedaubed piece Of canvas
value above them all. Although thor
oushly understand and appreciate AID
renerate art, love to 81, opposite it in
my arm m-chair the whole day long.
brought this home from the National
Gallery two summers ago, when the heat
vas very great, and | first began to fee
that l was losing my strength and power
and that old age vas gaining too rapidly
upon me.
Regularly, for many years, l had at
tended the public picture galleries. Hav-
ing the reputation of being a good copy
i.t, l had always great many commits
sions to execute.
Towards the latter end Of this summer
it happened, however, that upon finishing
my last order. ! found it difficult, because
Of an unusual dullness affecting trade, to
procure another.
In consequence of this l resolved to
make a copy Of Claude's &" Embsrkatlon
Of the Queen Of Sheba." feeling sure
should easily dispose Of it. as the picture
| knew to be = general favorite; and ac-
cordinsly l a, once set to work.
For some time l was the only person
i, the gallery engaged in copying this
painting; but one morning, when just
about to begin my labor, was accosted
by young girl-very slight and fragile
looking-carrying folding easel, piece
Of canvas partially done up in brown pa
paper, and large paint-boI.
IL beg your pardon" she said, fush-
ing. but could you make room for
rue :"
Indeed, yes" l answered promptly !;
looking At her sweet, plaintive face with
great interest. "YQq can have this
place / will move. The light here is
excellent"
"Oh. no I do not wish to take your
place" she replied, somewhat nervously.
II can see anywhere-here will do very
we'll"
"You are not taking my place"
answered; "a little lower down will do
equally we'll for me. Let me help you" }"
1 added. removing my e.sel. and proceed
ing, wi,hou. receiving any further resist.
anee from her, to install hers in the posi-.
tion mine had occupied.
lam sure you are very kind to do
this for me-" she said. leaning against
the iron railing which protected the pic
,ure. "i have come all the way from
Camden Town. and / feel rather tired. T"
"Ths beat is 20 great, too," I answer
ed. 81 am afraid you will find it very
trying here
"Oh (! don't mind that" she replied,
taking the brown paper Of the canvas.
which MAS about the same size a. my
own, and placing It upon the easel. II
am afraid you will laugh st this poor at
tempt Of mine. began it si4 years ago
when I was almost q child, when poor
papa was alive. and l have brought it to
finish, because" she hesitated-"be-
cause l want to sell it."
Iglaneed .t the esnyss, ! bad seen I.
great many absurd and ridiculous at
,emp.s st art in my life, but / had never
looked upon cruder or more lamentable
performance than this. 1t was, in fact,
nothing but an absolute daub. 1t was
altogether ou. Of drawing the color of
the sky wna deep, Prussian blue, the
clouds inky black, the sun represented
BY q mixture Of dirty yellow and red
indeed. such strange appearance it pre-.
senied that It would have provoked q
emile from me had I not been too con-
scious Of the presence Of the pale. anxious
young girl BY my side:
"Do you think ! shall ever sell it,
she asked, her large, wistful eyes fixed
upon me.
Thes Vas something 90 ine6ably
touching and sad in the tone Of her voics
that I felt that could not tell her the
{" Possibly. you may" l answered. .
littls falseringly. Its not very far ad-
vancsa;l and perhaps l may be sble to
give you some slight assistance. Am
an old man, and have had great deal OF
experience"
O.. loola1 AZ me eaYneStly.