The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1899-08-25
THAT OTHER FELLOW
~ HARACTERS-D Hatherly "a young

Campden mll-Rough sketches pinned on
walls, finished pictures on easels; lay fig
ure, with tam-o' shanter rakishy atop,
posed on throne. Tray with plate of sand
witches and empty beer bottle on piano.
Under north skylight Hatherly in painting
blouse at work on sx-foot-by-four canvas,
Hatherly (soliloquizing) -Well, hope to
goodness no one drops in this afternoon.
There wasn't day could work from the
time | brought it home in November till
last week. If I'm not interrupted and go
on as we'll as I've been doing, | may be in
time for sending-in day after all.
Gentle knock at door, which Hatherly
does not hear).
Visitor-Tap-tap!
Hatherly (mpatiently)-O, bother! III
pretend I'm out.
Visitor Qouder)-Tap, tap, tap,
Hatherly (rises muttering) We'll, come
in and be hanged to you, whoever you are.
"Opens door, Lefty, by Jove!
Lefty Lorimer (hesitatingly)-Yes, Dick.
May l come in? You're sure Pm not dis
turbing you?
Hatherly (mendaciously)-O, no. OF
course, you're not. But, l say, Lefty, you
won't mind my going on with my work,
will you? | want to get this done for the
academy, and time is short now.
Lefty (earnestly)-No, no, Dick!
Lefty takes seat behind him and silently
watches the progress of the work. At last,
summoning up courage, she says, nervously:
Dick"
Hatherly (starting)-Yes! why had
nearly forgotten you, Lefty. ~ the by,
what's come of the dowager? She doesn't
usually allow you out alone.
Lctty-Grandmamma is tired to-day, and
resting. I've been to the dressmuker's.
Ford is with me. She is waiting in the
carriage downstairs. | came up alone (fal-
tcrns) because wished to speak TO you.
Hatheriy (chccriuily) -That's right, dear.
Gossip away. Tell me all your news. l
can listen quite well, though I'm Eusy.
IIow's the old lady! Been any pleasanter
lately?
Lefty almost in tears)-O, Dick! her
temper is simply unbearable.
Hatherly (ensrosscd in studying fore
ground of picture, soto voce)-Ah, I've
caught it now. Claxton was right. That
shadow to the left is too heavy. What
were you saying, Lefty?
Lefty getting it out with a jcrk)-Do you
remember Capt. Grierson, one of the Lei
cester Griersons?
IIathcry squeezing fresh color on his
palette)-Yes, that alteration will make
all the difference. | beg pardon, Lefty.
You were saying?
Lefty (patiently)-Do you remember
Capt. Gricrson?
lIatherly-Yes; he was at Rugby with
me. Or was that his brother? Cecil Grier,
son-sandy haired chap, tall.
Lefty (hurricdly)-Ycs; Cecil We're
Grierson. l want to tell you, Dick
tIatherly, leaving his easel abruptly, goes
to table and returns with small piece of
cardboard with square cut from center,
though which he gazes absorbedly at the
new arrangement. Lefty signs Respondent
Ivy
Lefty (palc and agitated) must
SO soon. Can't you spare me moment to-
day?
Hathery Observation-Disclosures me, dear.
I'm beastly rude, treating you like this.
It's the fault OF this glorious light. There
boor, know, but the fatal Monday draweth
nigh after which no man can work.
Letty-Well, was trying to tell you that
| Capt. Grerson returns to India in two
months to rejoin his regiment, and, and
Dick (cheerfully interrupting) - Lucky
beggar! seeing the world while we all vege-
tate at home.
| Lefty Gathering -And-Dick-he says
he hates going back. He doesn't wish to 60
alone.
Hatherly (struck by sudden compunc-
tion)-I say, Lefty, what a thoughtless
| brute | am not to have given you some tea.
Letty-No tea, thanks; | really couldn't
drink it. Dick, he feels awfully at leaving
-evcrybody-und grandmamma keeps get
| ting worse and worse and
| erly-Letty, just reach me that hand
mirror, will you? It's on the table beside
you. Thank you.
Lefty Continuing, doggcd.y and huskily)
| So he said he'd come this evening for his
| answer.
Dick, staring ixcdy at the reflection
Of his picture in the hand-mirror, makes no
reply. Lefty waits in brcathless silence)
| Hatherly Speaking suddenly)-Do come
here, Lefty, and say if you like that, or is
| it too strong!
Lefty (rising)-It is strong and decided,
like yourself and all men, Dick. 1t is only
we women who are weak and irresolute.
| Goodby. No, don't come downstairs; l can
see myself out. Gocdby.
| IIathcry (relievcd) -Well, if you must
go, good-by. Come again soon, like a good
girl, when l have more time TO spare. And
don't let the Old lady bully you too much.
Ta-ta. (Ilather!y paints till the light fails
and then sits before his picture smoking
mcditatively.) Glad took that hint OF
C.axton's. Funny how the buffers always
give you the best suggestions. 1t will be
easy sailing now. The rest groups all right
Nice of Lefty not staying when she saw
| was working against time. She did not
seem so happy as usual somehow. Hateful
time she has with that old grandmother.
| Ii | was richer, I'd like to carry her off
out of the old witch's Clutches but she's
too young yet. She was talking about
Grierson. Capital fellow he used to be.
Going back to India; what a lot of fun
those army chaps have-not like artists,
shut up in a studio half the year. by the by,
what was it Lefty said about him not wish
ing to go back alone? lie cant have been
making love to the child. She's only 49,
and always thought of her as mine-some
day. What did she say about him coming
tonight for his answer? Heavens! what
a fool I've beea. That's what she was try
ing TO tell me, and was ass enough to have
thoughts for nothing but my picture. Blind
| idiot! Getting up hurriedly). This even
| ing, she said; | wonder if | can possibly be
in time. .Seizes his hat and rushes out)
| Scene 2, Entrance to the Dowager Lady
Lormers mansion in Mayfair. Hatherly,
| aiightin2 hurriedly from hanson, runs into
| Grlerson descending steps of house.
| Grierson (radiantly)-llullo, Hatherly!
| Hatherly blanky)-Grerson!
| Grnrson-Delighted to meet you again,
old man. Seems almost a good omen, don't
| you know.
Hatherly with hollow politeness)-. An.