The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1904-09-23
DECADENCE
in ART
By AUTA POWELL

Polly Anne Gyeenway's family
thought her decidedly gifted, and that
young lady's singular esteem for her
relatives opinions forced her to come
to the same conclusion.
Nevertheless, when she announced
her intention Of studying art, her fa-
ther demurred. It was one thing to
have talent, but quite different mat
ter to depart from the beaten track,
and Polly's family had other views
for her.
LET her marry and settle down"
said her father.
But Polly's lips came together In a
very frm line. There were plenty of
women in the world. Let those who
felt inclined marry and be given in
marriage; as for her, she had a mis-
SION In life and she meant to per
form It,
And she went about wearing such n
set apart expression that parental OBJ
5ections gave way and she was allowed
one measer but soul inspiring year in
New York.
After that began the long battle
with publishers and advertising bu-
roaus. Discouragement she met at
nrst with the Joy Of resistance, but
that sort Of Joy weakens with use,
and surely Polly's iii luck was phe-
Inomenal.
At last her cover for the Christmas
number Of magazine was accepted
and hope once more lit it's lamp in her
breast. But when q villainous litho-
srapher transformed her designs SO
that nothing remained that she could
call her own, her stoicism gave way
utterly, and she folded her wings for
q season.
1t WINS just at this juncture that the
Z. NJ. o. ID. G. made his appearance.
This title he acquired later on, when
she discovered that he was a Young
Man of Diabolical Cunning.
Polly had met him ut more than one
function, and he swelled the list of q
large and uninterestIng bowling ac-
Quaintance from which individuals
were once In q long while selected to
MI up vacancies made by removals
and Soccasional misunderstandIngs.
WAY should he call upon her? She
ran rnpidly over her scant knowledge
concerning him as she came down to
meet him. Rather stiff and express
sioniess. Rumored well OF and on the
point Of marriage to some stranger.
Nothing very decided. nothing particu-
larry attractive.
The u NJ. o. d. G. rose before she
had time to smile any "glad to see you"
abs.
Good morning. Miss Greenway. Per
hnps I should apologize for troubling
you, but tho truth Is I am in q dilem-
ma and have come to you for advice"
Polly settled herself and; became all
attention. A man may be most unin-
teresting. but the moment he asks for
advice lie becomes in the eyes of the
aeWeQ he Is consulting a most discern
an1 esssfenssls -4ocidadIv Iyorth o,,I
ing indlvSauss sandssss' worth cui'
tivating.
"You probably arc not Ware that
have been building a house S iAhcoih
street"
She believed she had heard it ms&-
toned in connection with the home
coming OF the stranger bride.
1T Is completed" he continued, "and
10 now ready for the decorators. Just
here b where I want your advice.
There are lots Of professional dec
erutors. but mono Of my friends houses
satisfies me. Some Of them have been
done by well known decorators
choose to think they show a lack of in
dividuality. Now. beg of you to un-
dertake the management of the whole
scheme OF decoration and furnishing.
Oh. pray don't veto It," as Polly's eye
brows went up to her pompadour, It'll
you have heard me out. want each
room in my house to be part Of one
scheme and the keynote of the whole
thing to be simplicity. II you viii un-
dertake 1t you shall have all the help
you wish-anything, everything you
need to carry 1t out. 1t Is well planned
and well finished. don't want 1t to
be ostentatious or handsome or have
any Of those upholstery things. but to
be quiet, restfui, artistic-a home in ev-
cry sense Of the word"
But don't believe I'm competent"
said Polly, whom the idea began to
appeal strons Yin fact. am sure I'm
not"
Does that mean that you wouldn't
caro- to undertake itT
"Oh, dear. no! ! think should like
IT above all things. wish had taken
up that sort Of thing at the art school,"
Then let N 50 at once and look at
the house. and you can form your
plans"
In i've minutes they were on O car.
Polly was carried or her feet. The
whole undertaking grew momentarily
more attractive, and, as she was an in
veterats castle builder, by the time the
car stopped at Lincoln street she had
become q successful middle aged dec