The Washington times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1901-1902, 1902-03-23

~ NE was Miss Kitty carter, ana
the other was Cecilia Grey. They
" were trying to learn the use OF
oil colors doth had got so far
in the course as never to say paints for
colors,. and Kitty was seeking to fit upon
canvas the elusive light in the bottom of
a brass kettle.
oh, deari'' murmured Kitty, at is so
! hard to find anything about ones work
that one can approve Of
Matter now, Mademoiselle Kitty?
Mr. Archer enquired, laying in line of
pure cobalt on the stretch of river that
was winding its way upon his own can
vas.
oh. nothing except that I'm finding
out the hollowness of everything" and
again Kitty wrinkled her pretty forehead,
arose. and walked disconsolately about
the studio.
Which means Mr.. Archer went on,
that you can't paint, and you can't
draw, and you wish you had the courage
to drown you. Do l repeat your formula
correctly?' and he paused, his head aside,
regarding afectionately his own effort.
Monet himself couldn't do better than
that he murmured.
Mr.. Archer. you're horrid," Kitty said.
who's Monet?"
"Oh, Monet-I beg his pardon-he's one
of those French fellows. But don't let
me interrupt your plant. What Is it?
Out with 1t. You won't get that kettle
done in time for dinner if you don't"
Kitty cast one exasperated glance at
her instructor, then resumed her chair,
and stroked out desperately.
What her trouble was he never knew
from her saying. but he knew it was only
that the dear child couldn't paint-she
never could. But she was persisteDtly
silent, her lips tight together, during the
rest of the lesson.
Even when Mr. Archer criticised her
work, and took the brush from her hand
for moment, she only allowed herself
scarcely perceptible tremor.
Then the room was very quiet.
Mr. Archer went to where Miss Grey
was doing black and white study from
Donatello bust, and, as she hadn't a re-
mote idea of the difference between half
light and shadow he despaired Of tell
ing her, took the the charcoal, and cor
rected the values of her libel of the cast.
Miss Grey was teacher of music in
an uptown seminary. She was twenty
eight years old. Her eyes were black
and energetic, and her hair drawn tightly
back from her forehead, was rather gray.
A slight severity of manner suggested
that she had known disappointment and
trouble; and one involuntarily wondered
if she hadn't quite history. There was
also feeling that Miss Grey would be
quite pretty if she would only allow her
self.
She found her music work arduous. So
much perfunctory drubbing of the piano
wearied her beyond description, and she
went into art-as she pbrased it-more as
recreation than for any other reason.
But she didn't say this to Mr.. Archer,
and he tried, in accordance with his
youthful ideals, to convince himself that
his pupils were working for the sincere
love of art and that alone.
AS for Kitty, she had been studying in
the studio for nearly a year, and had
worked hard
With charcoal she had succeeded in
differently, and in color her case was
hopeless. But she had graduated from
college; she was the child of successful
parents; so, there being no need that she
should teach, she had set about the fur
Their improving of her mind.
At first she had considered music-she
played little-but finally decided upon
painting as being, perhaps, a shade more
original as a ladylike occupation, and
more adapted to her taste.
Fate had directed her steps to Mr.
Archer as an instructor of merit
He had lately returned from Paris,
where he had won a modest degree G.
credit as a painter. Then, besides, he
was exclusive. Not every dabbler could
gain admission to his classes.
He received Kitty only after she had
assured him that her motive in wishing
to study art was the best and sincerest
and that she was willing to work, toll,
even deprive herself of time for social
engagements, in order to become at his
hands, and at three dollars a lesson, an
artist.
But Mr.. Archer was becoming discour-
aged.
Women can't paint" he said to him
self Eat least, most OF 'em can't. They
don't go at In the right spirit. 1t isn't an
end with them. They do drawing instead
of tatting. l can't stand this any longer,
l feel SO beastly hypocritical!' and he