The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1894-10-27

failed. The picture has been re-
fused"
Never mind, my dear boy" she
cried, laying her hand affectionately
upon his arm. why should you be
discouraged Perhaps you will get
better price for your picture from
some one else. God has given you
the talents of an artist, and you will
be sure to succeed in the end"
"But how are we to get along in the
meantime" he sighed gloomily.
ooh, as to that" she went on, brisk
ly, 1--WE could give up the rooms on
the first floor, and they would make
comfortable quarters for persons COM
ing up to London for few months.
Two or three good dodgers would
help to pay the rent, and by being
careful and economical, we shall be
able to manage. So take heart, for
fortune comes when least expected"
The next morning the sign, eur
nished Apartments" appeared in the
front parlor window, and the young
artist, after sad glance at "Ferdin-
and and ARIEL" resolutely turned it
to the wall, and set to work upon an
other canvas.
Nearly three weeks had passed,
when one morning the brass knocker
upon the street door was ratified i'm
peratively and presently two per-
sons were shown up to the studio.
One was a man who sometimes drop
ped in "just to look around" as he
said; the other an Anticipated little
old gentleman with grizzly hair and
beard, and blue coat ornamented
with brass buttons.
This last visitor was rather eccen-
trio, and fitted about the room ex-
aiming Johns sketches with curios-
ity and interest, and occasionally
pulling out canvas that had been
slowed away. He seemed to be very
fond of paintings, and to know great
deal about them. Chatting in a
friendly manner, he soon learned the
story of the ferdinand" and Johns
disappointment.
"Tut-tut! too badp he exclaimed.
"And what did you do with it them"
"Here it's" replied John, dragging
it from a corner and setting it upon
the easel.
The old gentleman contemplated
it for long time in silence. John
watched him narrowly. At last the
queer visitor took off his spectacles
and said:
"Humph! so he wouldn't take It j?
Well, don't be discouraged. Your
work is excellent, and success will
come after while. But of course
you have still much to learn. Now
here is book" he continued, taking
little volume from his pocket, (which
contains some practical advice to
young painters. l should be pleased
to present it to you, if you will prom
Use to read it,"
John bowed somewhat stifly and
said he would read the book.
"Then get pen and ink, and I'll
write your name in it," the old man
went ON fussily.
John opened a secretary, placed
the ink bottle and quill pen before
him, and walking away to the win
dow, stood gazing out into the street.
Presently the old gentleman joined
him, and put the book into his hands
saying:
'Be sure to read it. 1t will do you
good. Be sure to read it.
He and his companion then took
leave, and John, after letting them
out at the hall door, again climbed
the stairs leading into the studio.
"What strange fellow!" he said to
himself. "Oh, here is the book he
left"
AS he opened the book bit of pa
per futtered to the floor. John
picked it up and gazed at it in be-
wilderment. 1t was a check for a
hundred and fifty guineas, with the
old gentleman's signature at the end.
On the fy-leaf of the little volume
were written few words, that the
money was offered for the ''Ferdin-
and"
''Bravo," cried the youth, recover
ing himself, and leaping down the
stairs several steps at time. "Fath-
er! Mother! The picture is soldp
Then striding to the front parlor
window, he took down the bill which
advertised Furnished Apartments"
and tore il into bits. His mother
never ha l occasion to put up another,