The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-01-18

l.
information from him as to his income and
prospects, | can better make up my mind"
Now. papa said Manette in tone of grave
expostulation. don't go bothering Frank about
money matters. Don't yon know how artists
hate that sort Of thing! he won't like to have
you prying into his affairs"
IF he is so sensitive, my dear, he should not
draw my attention to them by proposing for my
daughter. He cannot justly resent my desiring
to know whether you will be as safe in his care
as in mine, allowing give you to him. shall
not be too hard on him; but he must define his
position, and to certain extent he must be ex-
act, otherwise | must withhold my consent" said
Mr. Elllce, while an expression of considerable
firmness settled upon his usually benign coun-
tenance
And then the conclave came to an end
On the morrow Mr.. Ellice went to town by an
early train for the purpose of interviewing his
would-be son-inlaw and impressing upon him
the absolute necessity for defining his financial
position and prospects for the future which he
had asked Manette to share.
MIR. Roscoe's studio was on upper Broadway
in building the ground-foor of which was
occupied by several small stores. A narrow
passage way opened directly from the street.
from which steep stairway led to the stories
above. At the left of the door of entrance,
on the plastered wall, was displayed large
board, upon which were printed names, with
corresponding numbers indicating the rooms
occupied by EACH Against every name was a
slip, and upon this slip was the word 'In" or
Out, as the case might be. Perceiving q
possible economy of exertion in this continuance,
Mr.. Ellce paused to consult it, and soon discov
cred that according to the guide-board Mr.. Ros-
coe was in, and also that he inhabited the fifth
floor, room 142 By dint of moving slowly, and
haltlng on the landings to regain his breath. the
old gentleman finally arrived on the fifth floor.
and after a few minutes meandering through
some dimly lighted and dusty corridors, he sud
denly found himself in corner and fronting
room No. l42. The name of Francis Roscoe
done in red paint and bold lettering, embellished
the panels of the door, land slate hung beneath.
Upon it was scrawled: Back in few moments
Wait"
Mr.. Elice wished it had occurred to Mr. Ros
coe to mitigate the waiting progress imposed on
his visitors by placing chair at his door, How
ever, he leaned resignedly against the WALL and
resting on his neat umbrella, which he had
brought presumably as moral support the day
being cloudless, he waited with what patience
he could for the return of Mr.. Roscoe, while the
conviction grew upon him that the affair
touching which he had come was wholly
impracticable
The slow moments passed; to his ears came
family the surge and roar of the busy streets
below; distant door slammed, footsteps passed
up and down the uncarpeted stairs. and snatches
of migratory conversations drifted round his
corner, while in some adjacent room a man was
whisthng cheerfully. Mr.. Ellice heard this last
to him that it came apparently from the room
at the door of which he waited. Room l42
might be inhabited, if not by its proper tenant
He would investigate hoping for seat and q
more varied prospect than the blank wall before
him, under which inspiration he knocked, and
was promptly hidden to enter by an agreeable
voice that seemingly succeeded to the gay
whistle. Mr.. Ellice turned the handle but the
door was fast
Give her kick" said the pleasant voice
within. 'She sticks"
Mr. Ellice felt that the suggested kicking
would detract from the dignity of his entrance,
so, instead. he remarked firmly: "Be so oblig-
ing as to open the door, 1t appears to me to be
locked"
There was sound as of chair pushed back
raspingly on the bare floor, quick tread across
the room, and the door was opened
by Jove it was locked, after all. Well, sir,
what can do for you?"
A tall young fellow, with bright brown eyes,
mustache to match, and closely cropped brown
hair, which, if allowed sufficient length, would
curl, was the speaker. Upon his repressed locks
battered, soft gray hat sat jauntily; in one
hand he held apalette, wet with fresh colors.
and an assortment of brushes, also pacific sort
of fat knife, limp and flexible.
Mr.. Ellices. inner consciousness at once re-
vealed to him that this was Mr.. Roscoe and he
as swiftly admitted that Manette had spoken
truly. he was very handsome, and the glance
OF his bright eyes was at once candid and win
some, though his brown velveteen coat was
literally smeared with paint, his long and slen-
der hands We're decorated with several high
tints, and his trousers were undeniably shabby.
Mr. Ellice was not insensible to the picturesque,
and he felt that an artistic shabbiness was less
objectionable than that known genteel.
''Can you tell me when Mr.. Roscoe is likely to
returns" he asked, feigning ignorance as to the
young mans identity, while observing him
keenly.
Why, he is in. I'm Mr.. Roscoe, at your
''Ah indeed have waited at your door,
Mr.. Roscoe, for some time, inferring from this, "
indicating the slate, that you were out"
"Oh! see. That's been there for a month, I
guess. You should have knocked, anyhow "
said Frank cheerfully, not offering to remove the
delusive statement from his portal. ''But walk
my name is Ellice," said the old gentleman
pointedy
''Oh, by Jove! you don't say so! remember
low that Nettie did say in her note that you
might drop in to-day. How are you sir9" extend
ing his hand cordially "Walk right in And
he led the way into the studio, into the like of
which apartment his guest had never before
penetrated. There were draperies odd bits of
armor, casts, easels, paintings on the walls and
on the floor tilted and leaning against every
available protuberance, sketches in every stage
of incompleteness, few desutory pieces of fur
niture, brio abrac of all sorts, and in the midst
of this choas was set an easel, upon which was a
CANVAS, duu bulS Ullo drIlSU NaO oV1Q0DC-
ly been at work. The next revelation sent a
thrill akin to horror through the old gentlemans
veins Upon raised platform that extended
across one side of the room was young woman
robed in scanty and clinging vestment of a
vivid Green hue overshot with gold and
scarlet. She was half reclining coiled, as it
were. in an intricate attitude, graceful yet mex
plexplicable, and, though motionless, almost
breathless was certainly living woman Mr..
Ellice, thinking of his daughter, felt the cold
beads of outraged propriety start upon his brow,
and his next remark was made in tones almost
tragic, in his suppressed reproach:
II am afraid, Mr. Roscoe, that my visit is in
opportune Perhaps at another time"
'Oh not at all, not at ALL I've worked long
enough, and am glad to knock off for awhile
Drop the pose Becky" he said, addressing the
young woman on the platform. Il guess" he
continued, that on the whole you might as well
go for today. [ shant get to work for some
time now, and this afternoon I'm going OUT
shall come tomorrow asked the model,
hopping down in her elittering draperies
Eyes Come early, and Wen make good
start" The girl disappeared behind the screen.