The Press., 1894-08-23

faded eyes.
 Her face frightened at the words.
 Some time," she faltered, slowly, Eff you could paint Dick-jest little thing for me''--
 Gladly" answered, ''but when and where can see him?"
 "Why, 'e''- She stopped ''Some time p'haps you'll see my Dick, an I 'ope you'll like i'm. I should like to lave you know my son, Mr. Carroll. Good night, sir. 7"
 And she was gone.
 I had just got back from dinner when there was a knock at my door, and Dr. Davis came ill unceremoniously. 1 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 hu- nor that was vastly entertaining and was, moreover, a man of education and refined tastes He rarely spoke of him. self and kept his cloak of reserve we'll buttoned up to his chin-sometimes l even thought he turned the collar up to ward off all personal questions. But knew him to be a physician with linn ited practice and fine house up on G. street, besides the row of lodging houses from 115 to 121 West Lambert street.
 "How are you, Davis?" I 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 ill it and blast it with gunpowder." But his attention was attracted just then to my easel
 "What's this?' he cried and moved the lamp to get better view
 I had my back to him; so, after long impatiently, fear, as I did not under stand his hesitation:
 "Well, how do you like it?''
 ''It's truly fine, Carroll. I 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 I only said indifferently:
 "You think it will go then?''
 "Go! Now, look here Carroll, want this. Name your own price, but I must have it. ''
 "You've seen Maggie, of course, haven't you-the old woman who cleans the halls here?'
 "Yes, often," he answered slowly.
 ''Do you think it is like her?''
 "Very ike-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 l 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. five some business ill the next house-119.
 I noticed for the first time that he looked ill., and tried to make him take some brandy before he went out, but he seemed ih a hurry and couldn't stop.
 "Goodby," he said, land remember the picture is mine.''
 It was hot, clammy night, and after Davis left I threw the windows open as far as they were made to be thrown and got as far out of one of them as l safely could by tilting my chair back and extending my legs out into that un- defined everywhere called the wide, wide world.
 So Davis had bought my picture, and was to name the price. We'll, he was 8 rich man, I thought complacently and my price grew in size the longer thought about it. It did not occur to me that receipted bill for three months rent, due last week, might be justly considered as a part payment. I 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 indulged 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 l 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 a heavy fall. I rushed into the hall. This was no time for knocking, and sw fifty turn ed the handle of the door which had so baffied me in my desire to know more of the occupant of the room behind it.
 The room was totally dark.
 "What's the matter? Can l be of any assistance?' 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 nasty glance around as did so.
 The room was larger than mine and handsomely furnished, evidently by 8 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.
 l Iquickly 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! was so stunned that could not think for 8 minute. Then I went out, closed the door softly and reverently and ran down stairs.
 So this was my neighbor, and I never knew!
 On the second floor met one of the housemaids carrying a lamp, which I 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 I suddenly thought of her son Dick, she called him. He must know. 1 was about to go ill search of some one else when met Davis on the landing