Virginia citizen. (Irvington, Va.) 1891-1921, 1902-04-11
A LuCuLLlAN REPAsr.
Whistles supper OF Cold Lamb. Fol
New York Artist.


Whistles supper OF Cold Lamb b. For
New York Artist.
Alden Weir. the New York artist. re.
iates az 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 i'm
the National gallery, in London, when
be 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
badr'
But Weir was engrossed ian his work
and gave no heed 10 the passing COM
ment. After looking around bit more
the stranger stopped again and repeat
ed, Not bad; not bad Mt air.
MIR. Weir turned slightly. bowed ac-
acknowledgement and resumed his paint
ing. The stranger, whom he had nor
turned far enough around to look at.
stood still and presently spoke once
more. I'm Whistler; rm Whistler"
] he said
Weir turned fun around then. and
there stood the arch maker of enemies
! ready TO make friend. AIR. Weir
round way of making himself known
without saying I'm Weir" and Wbis-
tier was delighted. He was all affabil-
1ty and insisted that the New Yorker
dine with him at his club. The dav
was by that time spent, and painting
time had passed. but Weir had planned
10 leave London at 10 p m. aud had
packed bis luggage preparatory to do
ing so before going 10 the gallery. cx-
pectng to dine quickly and take his
train alone.
Whistler was insistcnt. however. and
Weir went to his hotel. unpackcd and
clad himself for dinner. Whistler agree
ing to call for him at { o'clock. The
hour came, hut no Whistler. and an
other hour went 10y and still no Whis-
tier and no word from him. Weir new
er gets angry. 1t Is said. hut he changed
bis clothes again and his mind about
his eccentric compatriot at the same
time and prepared for his Journey and
late smack in lieu of a dinner. At
that moment Whistler was announced
He was all elegance and apologies. The
genial Weir forgave 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.
At 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
Wei so TO my house," he said reassur-
ingly, land make up with supper Of
cold lamb"
The dignifed Weir had become linn
by this time and very faint. lie went
| along. AS they passed i'm Mt Whistler's
door Whistler asked the astute butler
If he had bit of cold lamb, and the
butler said he thought so Whistler
asked his guest to remain for few mo-
ments i'm n small reception room. prom
1sinS TO return for him directly. The
minutes heightened, hunger strengthen,
ed, and the host shamcfully kept away.
Men and women i'm evening dress ar
rived and passed up stairs from time
to time. Weir was left alone. He be-
gan to suspect Whistleriof many things.
At last the apologize host reappeared
anu led Mr.. Weir into n company of his
friends whom he nad invited TO Luz
cullian repast. and the New York guest
has been known TO refer TO the evening
since. Notwithstanding the cxigencies
OF the moment, as Il particularly Jolly
one.-Argonaut