Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1895-04-26
THE YOUNG ARTIST,

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
NAV: and that was to make pictures. The
walls Of the house, the doors, and, in some
cases, even the ceilings we're covered with
sketches in charcoal or crayon And poor
John was the worst boy to send on an er-
rand: for he was sure to be diverted by
something he saw on the way, and would
stop to draw picture Of it 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 in
TO trouble. His mother was usually very
patient with him, however; for she had
mothers faith in his talents. And his
father acknowledged that, latter all, the
young rascans pictures were uncommonly
good.
Others soon began to think so, too.
When John was nine years old, lite
sketch OF his won silver medal from the
Society of Arts He then entered regu-
lar class at the Royal Academy, and gain
ed two more medals.
He was now a tall, prepossessing young
fellow: and some people said he ought to
be better employed than in dawdling with
colors and canvas. His parents were grow
he might pursue his studies, and now they
were badly off for funds.
Don't you worry, mother; it will be all
right, father" he told them, cheerily.
keep up your spirits until my Ferdinand
is finished. 1t is the best thing | 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 Shakspere's play, "The Tenn
pest"
One day he persuaded dealer to go and
look at the picture. The man, after exam
ming it carefully, said
at promises we'll When it is completed,
if like it as much as | do now, | will
give you 800 for it,"
At this good news there was great rejoic-
ing in the little home. John worked with
new enthusiasm As the picture grew more
beautiful every day they naturally regard
ed it as sold.
At last it was flushed. 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 success, brought
the dealer to see it. 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
picture over cOdly, and finally said:-
81 spoke of buying your picture if
liked it; but | don't like it, and won't
take it. Good morning."
Turning on his heel, he was gone before
the unfortunate painter could realize wha
had happened. The consciousness came
Il ., T1,I, Col
tered, wondering how he was to tell fathe
and mother. But he was not one to shirl
a duty because it was hard one; and 81
he went to the sitting-rOom, where the,
were awaiting the verdict with calm conf
dence.
"Father, MOTHER" he said, 81 hav,
failed. The picture has been refused"
"Never mind, my boy" the mother cried
laying her hand affectionately upon hi
arm. "Why should you be discouraged
Perhaps you will get better price for you
picture from some one else. God has givei
you the talents Of an artist, and you will b.
sure to succeed in the end
"But how are we to get along in tn
meantime?" he sighed gloomily.
"Oh, as to that" she went on briskly
eve could give up the rooms on the frs
floor; and they would make comfortable
quarters for persons coming up to Londol
for a few months. Two or three GOO
dodgers would help to pay the rent; and, b.
being careful and economical, we shall b
able to manage. So take heart, for forum
comes when least expected"
The next morning the sign, "Furnishe
apartments" appeared in the front parlO
window; and the young artist, after a sa
glance at "Ferdinand and Ariel" resolute
ly turned it to the wall and set to work up
on another canvas.
Nearly three weeks had passed, when on
morning the brass knocker upon the stree
door was ratified imperatively; and pres
emily two persons were shown up to tn
studio. One was a man who sometime
dropped in "just to look around" as h
said the other, an antiquated little oil
gentleman with grizzly hair and beard, an
blue coat ornamented with brass buttons
This last visitor was rather eccentric
and fitted about the room, examinn
Johns sketches with curiosity and inter
est, and occasionally pulling out canva
that had been slowed away. He seemed t
be very fond of paintings, and to know
great deal about them. Chatting in
friendly manner, he soon learned the stor
of the "Ferdinand" and Johns disaI
pointment.
"Tut! tut! Too badn' he exclaimed
"And what did you do with it them"
"Here it is, replied John, dragging
from a corner and setting it upon an ease
The old gentleman contemplated it fc
long time in silence. John watched hr
narrowly. At last the queer visitor too
off his spectacles and said
"Humph! So he wouldn't take it
Well, don't be discouraged. Your work
excellent, and success will come after
while. But, of course. you have sti
much to learn. Now, here is a book"
continued, taking little volume from hi
pocket, (which contains some practices
advice to young painters. | should b
pleased to present it to you if you wi
promise to read it,"
John bowed somewhat stitly, and said h
would read the book.
"Then get pen and ink" and III writ
your name in it," the old man went o
fussily.
John opened the secretary, placed I'll
ink-bottle and a quill pen before him, anC
walking away to the window, stood gain
out into the street. Presently the old ger
tleman joined him, and put the book int
his hands, SAYING
"Be sure to read it. 1t will do you gooC
BE sure to read it,"
He and his companion then took leave
and John, after letting them out at the ha