Capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1893-1895, 1894-07-21

done, and another hour 3 Work would
have finished it, but the light was going
fast, so began to Tut away my paints
and brushes, and Maggie gathered up
her things to leave.
~ wish there was something l could
do for you, said l as / slipped a coin
into the old woman's hard palm. felt
more sympathetic now that my work
was done, and her story seemed to mean
more to me than when was wondering
whether to use gray or brown for her
faded eyes
Her face frightened at the words
"Some time" she faltered, slowly,
"if you could paint Dick-jest little
thing for me-
Gladly" answered, but when
and where can see himp"
why e. She stopped. Some
time p'haps you'll see my Dick, an ]
'ope you'll like i'm. l should like to
ave you know my son, Mr.. Carroll
Good night sir"
And she was gone.
had just got back from dinner when
there was knock at my door, and Dr.
Davis came in mceremoniously. was
used to having him drop in about that
time in the day and rather enjoyed a
chat with my gentlemanly landlord, for,
though outwardly grave, almost to sad
ness he displayed at times grim hui
NOR that was vastly entertaining and
was, moreover, man of education and
refined tastes. He rarely spoke of him.
self and kept his cloak of reserve well
buttoned up to his chin-sometimes
even thought he turned the collar up to
ward off all personal questions. But
knew him to be physician with linn
tied practice and fine house up ON G.
street, besides the row of lodging houses
from l15 to lsl West Lambert street.
How are you, Davis?" l said with
out changing my position.
"As well 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 this?" he cried and moved
the lamp to get better view.
had my back to him; SO, after long
silence, wheeled around to say, rather
impatiently, fear, as l did not under
stand his hesitation:
"Well, how do you like it?"
"It's 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 critic, and his opin-
ion worth having, but it wouldn't be
manly for me to show my pleasure, SO !
only said indifferently:
"You think it will go then?'
$50! Now, look here, Carroll, want
this. Name your own price. but must
have it. p"
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 her?"
every like--and yet-older and sad
der looking some way. Don't you think
so?''
"No. 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"
"Yes but l wouldn't touch it if
were you. It's just perfect now, and you
might do too much, you know"
Nonsense, said, rather vexed at
his tone,
"I must go along now, he said, but
toning up his coat. "I've some business
in the next house-ll9.
noticed for the first time that he
looked i'll, and tried to make him take
some brandy before he went out, but he
'eemed in q hurry and couldn't stop.
"Goodby," he said. land remember
the picture is mine.
1t was a 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, / thought complaoently.
and my price grew in size the longer ]
thought about it, 1t did not occur to
me that receipted bill for three months
rent, due last week, might be jnstly
considered as part payment l would
make the sum large enough to cover my
expenses to Paris and back next sum
mer And then
was startled by hearing the door to
the next room 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.
l nearly jumped out of my chair,
however, when heard distinct groan
from the next room, and as | sprang TO
my feet there was the sound Of heavy
fall. rushed into the hall. This was
no time for knocking, and swiftly turn
ed the handle of the door which had so
baffled me in my desire to know more Of