The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-04-27

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 meantimef" he sighed gloonlily.
ooh, as to that" she went on brisk
ly, I'VE 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 care
full and economical, we shall be able
to manage. So, take heart, for for
tune comes when least expected"
The next morning the sign, "Furn-
ished Apartments" appeared in the
front parlor window; and the young
artist, after a sad glance at "Ferdi-
nand 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 persons
were shown up to the studio. One
was man who sometimes dropped
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-
amining Johns sketches with curios-
ity and interest, and occasionally pull
ling out canvas that had been
slowed away. He seemed to be very
fond of paintings, and to know a
great deal about then. Chatting in
friendly manner. he soon learned
the story of the ferdinand" and
Johns disappointment.
'sTut! tut! Too bad!" he exclaimed.
"And what did you do with it then?"
"Here it is" replied John, dragging
it from 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:-
"Humphl So he wouldn't take it?
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
a little volume from his pocket,
switch contains some practical advice
to young painters. should be
pleased to present it to you if you
will promise to read it."
John bowed somewhat stiff1y, 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 a 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 ooh, here is the book
he left"
AS he opened the book, bit of
paper 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 ''Ferdi-
nand."
"Bravol" cried the youth, recover
ing himself and leaping down the
stairs several steps at time. "Fa-
Their! Mother! The picture is sold!"
Then, striding to the front parlor
window, he took down the bill which
advertised Furnished Apartments"
and tore it into bits. His mother
never had occasion to put up another
for from that day her boys pictures
sold faster than he could paint them.
Who was the gentleman in the anti
que blue coat and brass buttonsi
1t was Mr.. Ellison, the generous
patron of art, who bequeathed col
| lection of paintings to the Fitzwilliam