The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1895-04-10
The Young Artist,

A bout fifty years ago there lived in a
small house on an obscure street of
London boy named John.
Although he was fond OF boyish
games from the time when he was still
a very little fellow, there was one
thing that John loved even better than
play; and that was to make pictures.
The walls of the house, the doors, and d,
in some cases, even the ceilings, were
covered with sketches in charcoal or
crayon. And poor John was the worst
boy to send on an errand; for he was
sure TO be diverted by something he
saw on the way, and would start to
draw a picture of il on the side of a
building, or, occasionally, on the back
of his jacket, which he would slip off
for the purpose. This sometimes
brought him into trouble. His mother
was usually very patient with him,
however; for she had mothers faith
in his talents. And his father &C.
knowledged that, latter al, the young
rascal's pictures were uncommonly
good"
Others soon began to think so, too.
When John was nine years old, little
chCttu Vi Ills WOu d bllNCl Icudl lIODl
the Society of Arts. He then entered
regular class at the Royal Academy,
and gained two more medals.
He was now tall, prepossessing
young fellow; and some said he ought
to be better employed than in dawding
with colors and canvas. His parents
were growing old, they had made many
sacrifices that he might pursue his stud
les, and now they were badly off for
funds.
"Don't you worry, mother; it will
be all right, father" he told them cheer
lily. keep your spirits up until my
Ferdinand is finished. 1t is the best
thing l have done, and cannot fail to
bring a good price,
And so they hoped on; and he painted
steadily, trying to portray his beautiful
ideal. The subject was Ferdinand
and Ariel" from Shakespeare play,
"The Tempest"
One day he persuaded dealer to go
and look at the picture. The man,
after examining it carefully, said:-
"It promises well. When it is COM
pleted, if like it as much as l do now,
will give you 9100 for it,"
At this good news there was great
rejoicing in the little home. John
worked with new enthusiasm. AS the
picture grew more beautiful every day,
they naturally regarded it as sold
At last it was finished. Johns father
and mother, and the few friends to
whom he exhibited it, were loud in its
praise; and the young artist, in high
spirits, and feeling already the Joy of
hrnnnht tho 1aolor tn ~
But, alas! the man had changed his
mind in the interval, or he was out of
humor, or some detail did not please
him. AT any rate, he looked the pic
ture over coldly, and finally said:-
6 spoke of buying your picture if
liked it; but l don't like it, and won't
take it. Good morning."
Turning on his heel, he was gone be.
fore the unfortunate painter could
realize what had happened. The con
sciousness came soon enough, how
ever; and then John fatered, won
deripg how he was to tell father and
mother. But he was not one to shirk
duty because it was a hard one; and
so he went to the sitting room, where
they We're waiting the verdict with con
fidence.
Father, mother" he said, 6" have
failed. The picture has been refused
"Never mind, my dear boy" she
cried, laying her hand affectionately
upon his arm. " Why should you be dis
couraged? Perhaps you will get better
price for your picture from some ont
else. God has given you the talents o.
an artist, and you will be sure to sue
coed in the end"
"But how are we to get along in tn
mean timer" he sighed gloomily.
'Oh, as to that" she went on briskly
''we could give up the rooms on tn,
frat floor; and they would make com
Portable quarters for persons coming VI
to London for few months. Two o
three good dodgers would help to pa,
the rent; and, by being careful anC
economical, we shall be able to manage
So take heart, for fortune comes whel
least expected"
The next morning the sign, Fur
nished Apartments" appeared in tn
front parlor window; and the Young art
list, after sad glance at FERDINAND
and Ariel" resolutely turned it to tn
wall, and set to work upon anothe
canvas.
Nearly three weeks had passed
when one morning the brass knocke
upon the street door was ratified impei
atively; and presently two person
were shown up to the studio. One wa
man who sometimes dropped in ''jus
to look around" as he said; the Other
an antiquated little old gentleman wit
grizzly hair and beard, and blue co!
ornamented with brass buttons.
I. l.. = =. Anr ~.
and fitted about the room, examinin
Johns sketches with curiosity and il
terest, and occasionally pulling out
canvas that had been slowed away. Fl
seemed to be very fond of painting
and TO know great deal about then
Chatting in friendly manner, he 500
learned the story of the "Ferdinand
and Johns disappointment.
Istit t.xtv N. IL 4. -.