The San Francisco call., 1896-09-20

the old man was troubled, pondering how
sundry small debts were now to be paid.
To his surprise, however, his mother sud-
denly became CHEEKY, as mothers do when
everything looks darkest.
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
meantime2" he sighed gloomily.
"Oh, as to that she went on briskly,
1--WE could give up the rooms on the first
floor and they would make comfortable
quarters for persons coming up to London
Tor few months. Two or three good
lodgers would help to pay the rent, and
by being careful and economical we shall
be able to manage, so take heart for for
tune comes when least expected"
The next morning the sign FURNISHED
Apartments" appeared in the front parlor
window, and the young artist after sad
glance at Ferdinand and Ariel, resolutely
turned it to the wall and set to work upon
another canvas.
Nearly three weeks had passed when
one morning the brass knocker upon the
street door was ratified imperatively and
presently two persons were shown up to
the studio. One was a man who some
times dropped in lust to look around"
as he said, the other, an antiquated little
old gentleman with grizzly hair and
beard and blue coat ornamented with
brass buttons.
This latter visitor was rather eccentric
and fitted about the room examining
Johns sketches with curiosity and inter-
est, and occasionally pulling out a canvas
that had been slowed away. He seemed
to be very fond of paintings and to know
great deal about them. Chatting on in
friendly manner he soon learned the
story of the Ferdinand" and Johns dis
appointment.
"Tut-tutl too badi' he exclaimed.
"And what did you do with it thenq'
"Here it is" 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
of his spectacles and said:
"Humphl so he wouldn't take It'll Well
don't be discouraged. Your work is ex-
cellent and success will come after while.
But, of course, you have still much to
learn. Now here is book, (" he continued,
taking q little volume from his pocket,
(which contains some practical advice to
young painters. I should be pleased to
present it to you if you will promise to
read it,"
John bowed somewhat stifay and said
he would read the book.
"Then get me pen and ink, and I'll
write your name in it, the old gentleman
went on fussily.
John opened a secretary, placed the ink
bottle and a quill pen before him, and
walking away to the window, 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
10 the studio.
"What a strange cid fellowl" he said to
himself. 'Oh, here is the book he left.
Will people ever learn that the most help
full words to young artists are those writ
ten upon a check ?"
AS he opened the book bit of paper
fluttered to the floor. John picked it up
and gazed at it in bewilderment. 1t was
a check and for a hundred and fifty
guineas, with the old gentleman's sigma
ture at the end. On the fiyleaf of the little
volume were written few words, saying
that the money was offered for the ''Fer-
dinand."
s>"Bravo" cried the youth, recovering
himself and Ieaping down the stairs
several steps at time. "Fatherl
Motherl The picture is soldl'
Then, striding to the front parlor win
dow, he took down the card which adver-