The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1894-06-06

was, moreover, man OF euuCatlOn ana
refined tastes. He rarely spoke of him
self and kept his cloak of reserve well
buttoned up to his chin--sometimes l
even thought he turned the collar up to
ward off all personal questions. But l
knew him to be physician with linn
tied practice and fine house up on G.
street. besides the row of lodging houses
from 115 to 121 West Lambert street.
"How are you, DavisT' l said with
out changing my position.
GAS we'll as this beastly weather per-
mits any one to be, " he replied, taking
the only vacant chair. ''The fog is so
thick outside you could drill holes in it
and blast it with gunpowder. " But his
attention was attracted just then to my
easel.
whats this9'' he cried and moved
the lamp to get "a better view.
had my back to him; so, after long
silence, 1 wheeled around to say, rather
impatiently, l fear, as did not under
stand his hesitation:
"Well, how do you like it?''
cts truly fine, Carroll. never
dreamed you would do anything like
this. Why, my dear fellow, your repu-
tation will be made"
felt very much gratified, for Davis
was something of a critic, and his opin-
ion worth having but it wouldn't be
manly for me to show my pleasure, so l
only said indifferently:
you think it will go them"
"Gol Now, look here, Carroll, want
this. Name your own price, but must
have it.
You've seen Maggie, of course,
haven't you-the old woman who cleans
the halls here?"
Eyes, often," he answered slowly.
"Do you think it is like herr"
every like-and yet---older and sad
der looking some way. Don't you think
so?''
mo. She looked just like that today.
She's to pose again tomorrow, for, as
you see it's not quite done yet. This
hand needs touching, and the dress
should be worked up little more. "
Eyes, but l wouldn't touch it if l
were you. It's Just perfect now, and you
might do too much, you know"
Nonsense, said, rather vexed at
his tone.
II must go along now," he said, but
toning up his coat GIVE some business
in the next house-119.
/ noticed for the first time that he
looked i'll, and tried to make him take
some brandy before he went out, but he
seemed in hurry and couldn't stop.
"Goodby," he said, land remember
the picture is mine.
1t was hot, clammy night, and after
Davis left threw the windows open as
far as they were made to be thrown
and got as far out of one of them as /
safely could by fitting my chair back
and extending my legs out into that I'M
defined everywhere called the wide,
wide world.
So Davis had bought my picture, and
was to name the price. Well he was
rich man, I thought complacently,
and my price grew in size the longer 1
thought about it. 1t did not occur to
me that receipted bill for three months
rent, due last week, might be justly
considered as part payment. would
make the sum large enough to cover my
expenses to Paris and back next sum-
mer. And them
was startled by hearing the door to
the next roAl shut gently. had not
INDUCED in many dreams of my fair
neighbor lately. In fact, my new inter
est in art had locked the door on my
curiosity, and some way now cared
little about finding the key.
/ nearly jumped out of my chair,
however, when heard a distinct groan
from the next room, and as l sprang to
my feet there was the sound Of a heavy
fall l rushed into the hall. This was
no time for knocking, and swiftly turn
ed tho handle of the door which had so
baffled me in my desire to know more of
the occupant Of the room behind it.
The room was totally dark.
whats the matter? Can be of any
assistance" l called, peering into the
blackness.
There was no reply, and brought the
lamp from my room and held it high
above my head, giving a hasty glance
around as l did so.
The room was larger than mine and
handsomely furnished, evidently by
person of taste, had time to think to
myself before my eyes fell on dark fig
ure lying face downward on the floor
beside the table.
I quickly put the lamp down, lifted
her gently on to the bed and bent over
her to see if she were conscious.
To my surprise it was old Maggie,
and she was quite, quite dead I was SO
stunned that could not think for
minute. Then I went out closed the
door softly and reverently and ran down
stairs
So this was my neighbor, and I never
newl
On the second floor 1 met one of the
housemaids carrying lamp, which l
took out of her hands.
go quickly" said I, "to 119 and
tell DR.. Davis that Maggie is dead. ,"
The girl looked frightened, but obeyed
without word.
Then l suddenly thought of her son
Dick, she called him. He must know.
! was about to go in search of some one
else when / met Davis ON the landing
in the dimlv LIGHTED hall