The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1897-09-18
CHAPTER ".

Reading for the bar is not very bard
work, and. although kept my conscience
clear ly doing all that seemed necessary
in this way, | yet had ample time for
amusing myself. | soon made plenty of
acuuamtances and Il few friends Among
the later was one named Nigor-a young
man about two years my senior-with
whom | had many tastes i'll common, and
whom | envied as having already made
two or three successful literary attempts
which gave promise of greater things
some day One night, about half-past
eleven, | was with him in his room. en-
loving his clever conversation, when the
door opened and stranger was an
nou iced.
Vigor welcomed his visitor heartily
Why, Valentine, my boy, | am glad to
see you-radiant and beautiful IS ever,
Where have you been?"
"Iust come from the theater." said the
new arrival, whose evening dress was
covered by light coat. Il saw your
lamp lit. so thought you'd give me a cigar
and drink
"Your conclusions are correct will,
But first let me make you two known to
each other Mr.. Estmere-Mr Norris"
Estmere turned his pleasant face to me.
and held out his hand. Then, throwing
off his coat and curling up his hat, he set
fled down in the most comfortable chair
he could find, evidently quite at home.
He was a tall, well-built young man of
about twenty; his hair was light; his eyes
we're blue. | have often wondered what
was the peculiar charm about Valentine
Estmere, which made his presence bring
Y Tnf nd l., IN.
thoughts even to perfect strangers.
"Now. Estmcre," said Nigor, let us
know what you have been doing all these
MONTHS
"Robbing from one mistress to adorn
another Trying to get wrinkles from the
attire Of one to beautify the other"
TAX more plainly if You can: poetry
and hanson cabs don't 60 together. Re
sides, You are frightening Norris with
your glowing metaphors.
Il have been with nature for the sake OF
art-yet trying to turn art into nature
THAT sounds even moro obscure
Then. in words suited to your capacity
have been down in Cornwall sketching
the coast.
"Yo1 really mean to be an artist, then o.
''Of course | do-have l not to-day been
to Mr.. Solomon. the dealer, ard requested
permission TO bring him some Of my
sketches with view 10 mutually advan
taceous arrangement"
Now. sing us something" said Nigor
who was fond of music, and whose rooms
| boosted piano,
/ He obeyed without any amateurish
| apologies for threatened shortcomings
He sang couple of ballads with great
| taste and feeling. His voice. if nothing
! wonderful. was Well trained. Then. after
| playing a few snatches OF popular operas
/ he twisted round on the music stool ant
/ told us some amusing anecdotes of his
| sketching tour. His descriptions and I'M
| tat:ons were so fresh and original that
| began to envy Nigor his friend
| Il must be off now" he said: my moth
| er waits for me. Are you coming my way
| Mr. Norris: If SO. l can give you lift
| You exIravasant young beCgar.' ex
| claimed Vigor. A cab all this time. Yoy
must he rolling in money. Get out a
| once
| l was half amused 10 hear him tall
| about his mother waiting up for him. Few
/ young fellows Of his age would have men
( toned the fact. Estmere spoke as if j
was the NEST ordinary thing in the world
| / d.d hot 60 with him; my rooms wer,
very near to Nigor's and | was 50 inter
! ested in my new acquaintance l wante,
| TO learn something about him. He let
US. promising Nigor 10 see him again yer,
! soon. and, 10 NE D. Least. the room SCENE.
darker as the door closed behind l!D--
''Wao is ie?" / asked.
| '.Ea.e1L1e Estne-e-a gTea: fayoT.t,