The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-02-26

De as Dig as Ine HlLH. ne duuCu
few more criticisms.
"By the by, what do you call it?'
he asked. "A good name is more
than great riches"
II call it 'Homeward Bound, said
Webster.
That's good in English, but I'm
afraid the French Will make 1t Maui
frage."
'"rhen you really advise me to send
it?"
"I'd try anyway" said Marshall
"Goodby. / must trot home"
On the quays the lamps were light
ed, casting their long shafts OF iIgnt
into the water. as Marshall strobe
along.
Now am l the greatest liar in
Paris" he asked himself, cor was !
right? Anyway, he'll find out for
himself, and it's not fair to make a
Sir Oracle of u man against his Will
In the Rue Dauphine Webster was
putting on his Kettle TO boil choco-
late There was no milk in it, ana
he bought only one roll that evening.
Men who have to buy frames should
economic.
The next week passed under pres
sure of work. Marshall and the friend
with whom he shared a studio both
toiling on the pictures they were
to the Salon. The sending-1n
days, however, passed at last, the
easels stood empty, and in the first
feeling of relief all the artists began
to idle and take their ease in the
frightening days of spring.
In the general expansion of good
fellowship Marshall decided to look
up Webster. and he proposed it to
his chum as they were drinking
books one afternoon on the Boule-
ward.
on reaching the Rue Dauphine
Marshall mounted the stairs and
Knocked. There was no audible re-
Spouse, and after waiting q few mo-
entered the room. The 90 90 g
entered. The room was as before, ex-
cept that a thick layer of dust gave
a faint blush tone to everything. On
the narrow iron bed Webster lay OK
tended. He lifted his head at the
sound of the opening door. rs 1t the
letters, madame?" he asked. His eyes
met Marshalls, and there rose in his
face a faint expression of pleasure
mingled With modification. He pull
ed the blanket UP to his chin with
one hand, While he extended the 9TH
er.
in" cried Marshall. Here's Hal
stead. my chum, and / came to get
you for Il walk"
The modification was uppermost in
Webster's face as he held out ms
hand to Halstead.
I'm sorry you should find me like
this" he said in q faint voice, "but
Eve been pretty bad for q few days,
and things get out of order. It's
shame you fellows should come SO
far and end me sick"
But, L say" cried Marshall, "you
should really have doctor, don't you
think so? You look pretty bad
you're feverish. 1 know"
~ shall be all right in a day or
two l don't want any doctor" said
Webster, with a touch of petulance.
1.-The woman of the house Will LOOK
after me. / only feel a bit under the
weather; it's just touch of spring
fever.''e
They chatted on for a while. and
the visitors rose to go. III see you
again tomorrow" said Marshall.
Outside they found the woman of
the house and held Il council. III
he is any worse, send for the nearest
doctor and don't hesitate about eX-
penses," said Marshall.
"Ah. messieurs!" cried the woman.
that is the whole affair. Ever since
he began that picture he has not spent
q sou. First it must be brushes, paint
and canvas, and then u model, and
at last this frame. Such q frame!
Gilt, and as wide as that. Oh, he
starved not his picture, it was his
own poor stomach he starved. All!
he dipped his bread in his hearts
blood when he painted that picture,
and now my husband, who knows
q bout such things, says it Is not good
it will not be accepted"
The friends walked some distance
in silence, then Marshall spoke. 1--WE
are in for it. Tom"
yes" assented the other.
The next few days brought no inn
provement In Webster's condition.
The doctor was summoned, and pro-
nounced it a case of typhoid fever
brought on by poor food and air, and
the probable use of bad water. Web
ster lay I'm a half-torpid condition,
from which it was difficult to. rouse
him except at post times. when he
became excited and would eagerly de-
bate the chances Of acceptance OF his
picture.
One day, as Marshall was about to
enter, the woman of the house offer
ed him two letters which had just ar
rived for Webster. One was directed
in u feeble, woman's hand and bore
an American stamp, the other had
on its corner the image and super
scription of the Salon. He felt it,
held it to the light. and then put it
into his pocket.
Here's a letter from home" he
annoupced cheerfully.
Webster took it. isn't there any
thing from the Salon YETI" he ca
gerly asked.
NO" replied Marshall with serene
mandacity; ''but, you know, the
longer you wait the more chances you
have
His consultations seemed, however
unavailing, and he was relieved when
the doctor called for his usual visit.
Marshall left the room with him and
fingered talking on the stairs.
That afternoon, as Halstead was
preparing for his afternoon tea, Mar
shall entered and closed the door be-
hind him with a bang. He sat down
at the piano and ran his fingers over
the keys for some time in silence,
then he turned and faced his friend.
II say" he began.
"WelI ,"
This came for Webster today"
1, Al Il Il -,