Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1902-04-12
NUr1BER 40.
LUCULLlAN REPAST.
NhistIer's supper of Cold Lamb For
"A New York Artist.

New YORK Artist.
Alden Weir, the New York artist. re-
lates an amusing story Of how he be-
came acquainted with the eccentric
J. A. MacNeill Whistler. Weir was one
day copying one Of the old masters In
the National gallery. in London. when
he became conscious of a man passing
TO and fro once or twice behind him.
The man paused and, looking over the
painters shoulder, murmured. Not
badw
But Weir was engrosspd In his W0lk
and gave no,hecd to the passing com
ment. After looking around bit more
the stranger stopped again and repeat
ed, "Not bad; not bad at all3'
Mr.. Weir turned slightly. bowed nc
acknowledgement and resumed his paint
ing. The stranger. whom he had not
turned far enough around to look ut.
stood still and presently spoke once
more. I'm Whistler; I'm Whistler.
he said.
Weir turned full around then. ana
there stood the arch maker Of enemies
ready to make a friend. Mr. Weir
found way of making himself known
without saying I'm Weir" and Whls- E
tier was delighted He was all atfabil-
ity and insisted that the New Yorker
dine with him at his club. The day
was by that time spent, and painting
time had passed, but Weir had planned
to leave London at 10 p. m. and had
packed his luggage preparatory to do
ing so before going to the gallery. ex-
pecting to dine quickly and take his
train alone.
Whistler was insistent, however, and
Weir went to his hotel. unpacked and
clad himself for dinner. Whistler agree
ing to call for him at o'clock. The
hour came, but no Whistler, and an
other hour went by and still no Whis-
tier and no word from him. Weir new
er gets angry. it is said, but he changed
his clothes again and his mind about
his eccentric cOmpatriot at the same
time and prepared for his Journey and
a late smack in lieu of a dinner. AT
that moment Whistler was announced.
He was all elegance and apologies. The
genial Weir forgaye much and started
with his host for the club. concluding
that the 10 o'clock train would not
carry him away that night after all.
Al the door Of the club Whistler
halted abruptly, remarking that he was
no more member of that club and so
couldn't take his guest there. But
well 60 TO my house, he said reassur-
ingly, land make up with a supper OF
cold lamb"
The dlgnifed Weir bad become limp
by this time and very faint he went
along. AS they passed In at Whistler's
door Whistler asked the astute butler
II he had bit Of cold lamb. and the
butler said he thought so. Whistler
asked his guest 10 remain for few mo-
ments I'm a small reception room. prom
Using to return for him directly. Tie
minutes lengthene hunger strengthen.
ed. and the host shamefuuy KEEP, away.
Men and women in evening dress ar
rived ana passed up stairs from time
TO time. Weir was left alone. He BE-
gan to suspect Whistler of many things.
At last the apologize host reappeared
and led Mr.. Weir into company or his
friends whom he had invited to Lu-
cullian repast. and the New York guest
has been known TO refer to the evening
since. Notwithstanding the exigencles
of the moment. as a particularly jolly
one.-Argonaut.