New-York tribune., 1898-12-25

e>ohS aiiu Charming are discovered. Bally
stretched lazily IN armchair smoking a
cigarette. Claiming is hard at work. He
pants silently for several minutes, and then
finally puts down his palette and crosses over
to the fireplace, lights pipe and throws him
self into opposite chair
Claiming (pufiing at pipe)-By Jove. Bally.
you don't half appreciate this. I've done my
days work. and now comes the rest. You
haven't done anything, there's contrast In
your life. Life without contrast is
Bally (drcws;ly)-Oh stow that, old mani
Channing-It shows something lacking In your
composition. Baliy grins and pours himself out
more whiskey) Besides 1t isn't fair to your
people. They think you work, TIL be bound
But you gave up your studio ages ago. and you
spend your time hanging around here till
turn you out and then you so to some other
chaps place.
Bally-Fred you're a good fellow, and I like
you; but you really have no sense OF humor.
You don't seem 10 realize that I'm not built like
you. But I'll tell you what. you hit 1t on the
nail when you say my people think I work.
swear mean to. I'm going to start at Julian
-morrow-honor bright. Here's letter from
the mater now. 1t came three days ago Cakes
1t out Of lis pocket. and forgot to open IT,
Clears letter open and begins reading it. during
which Claiming looks thoughtfully into the fire
and watches the curling rings OF smoke from his
pipe) Suddenly and excitedly) I say. Chan
ming, they're coming! say. old man.
Claiming (calmly)-Who?
Bally-My people-my mother and my sister
Coming here tomorrow Hang It ALL what shall
do? Gets up and PAGES rapidly up and down
the studio)
Channing-Arept you glad?
Bally (crossly)-Of course, I'm glad In one
sense: but you don't understand. They think
Eve been working.
Charming bursts out laushng)-Great Scot'!
Ha! ha! ha!
Bally-It isn't as IL can make clean breast
OF it, You don't know the mater and Mary-On'
She's worse They believe in me.
Claiming (stili laughlrg)-Wha are they 60
Ing to do?
Balry-I don't know. cThinks) Suddenly
Cbannjny they'll only be here three or four
Navs, and .hey don't know much about art
Channing-Well?
Rauv C,estating but cheerfuD-I thought. II
vou don't mind. that you msht-well-lend
Charming (stonily)-What. you want me to
pretend that YOU did all my canvases yourself?
RaI,v-That would be a very simple way,
wouldn't it?
Charming (sarcastlcally)-Deuced simple
Ra,,v-Youu save my life If you do this for
me, Fred.
Charming (dubously)-I don't know
Pa,Iv-Oh I say now be good chap. I'll 90
ss much for YOU some time. 1t won't hurt you.
Catches I'D his hat and stick, and goes ouD
Charming Cooking after him crestfallen)-"el'
a, NIL, ,he-ha! ha ha.-but I'll be jumped II
s',no,v whether IT'S right or not; besides I'm the
+. worst liar this side Of the Boul Mich, ana
rally knows It, But that gri-she's jolly sort
=, yirI according to that picture Baliys got Of
her w,sh-but of course shall make him tell
at once Relghis pipe and puffs at it) She
has straight eyebrows-like Greek goddess.
He will have to tell them before the Gay Is over
Tho next day. Enter Bally. followed by Mrs
g. and Miss Baington Bally smiles sweeuy
e" at Charming and waves his hand at hiin'
.Rally-Oh you're here, are you, Chahnihs'
Mother this is my friend. Mr.. Claiming. hes
sharing my studio till his is ready-and my SIS
tor Mrs Ballington bows with sort OF now
L,ra. .of-vou look at Bally) Yes. Channing's
rather lazy sort Of chap, you know. The fellows
cav Gnodesty) that my influence on MIN mas
been very good
Cbonning struggling with laugh that VIII
Mt ha struggled with)-Yes, Bally's influence
nos bcen very good US all. Ends with
gurge)
Mrs Balllngton (gravely)-I am very glad to
hear that. My dear boy, am afraid Mary ana
r have misjudged you little, haven't we oear
Mary (sniling)-Yes. I'm afraid SO. Crurhs
.rd examines canvases turned against the wall
easels. artists materials. ctc)
Mrs Balhngton-Now. Theo, sho" US an youi