The San Francisco call., 1906-10-28

his neighbor II he would have a cigar
or perhaps a liqueur
II don't mind" rejoined Marden: the
fact is I feel lazy this afternoon.
had expected to meet friend here-a
client of mine-but / fancy he is off
somewhere wondering if New York
will ever boast decent sky line. He
is an architect and enthusiastic over
French Gothic Series ears began to
burn.
Architecture in New York? That's
tall joke. Curiously enough. though,
this very morning l was admiring the
new Library. 1t has a stunning facade.
If were Emperor of America I'd raze
every building within the radius of ten
blocks so as to give. the building a
chance. Only think of the cathedral
without house near it,
You are an artist evidently Mar
den said without the faintest trace of
curiosity in his voice. Serle nodded.
Louis with clasped hands limited that
the two gentlemen might prefer a win
dow. There were empty tables upon
which the sun no longer shone, since
the formidable walls across the street
blocked It's rays. The painter shud
dered. They would surely be seen by
impertinent passersby. He sent Louis
away, sharply adding that he would be
called when needed. AS for Marden,
rent of his fancy Was it pleasant or
unpleasant? The watcher could not
decide. But he had made up his mind
that he would draw Marden out to the
danger line and if discovered-if dis
covered? lie would at least tell him
what he thought of the mean scoun-
drel who had
"rve noticed" Marden broke in on
Series ugly reverie. that painters
r.
hands 1 beg your pardon. You have
quite as much reason for advancing a
similar remark about professional
man. Here I am lounging as If ! had
no office or desk loaded with unan-
swered correspondents. But L assure
you I don't often dissipate this way,
and take it you are of the same opin-
ion regarding yourself" He paused.
You spoke of painters loafing. What
made you single out that particular
profession? / believe it may be called
a profession" Vincent laughed.
'Oh, you said you were a painter"
Eyes, but you were not thinking of
me, I'll wager. You've only seen me a
half hour"
You're right. I was not thinking Of
painters or of you in general, but of a
particular case that came under my
personal observation"
'sYes, yes eagerly responded Serle
as he mentally abused the lawyer for
his measured, pedantic delivery. Your
story interests
Marden glanced at the others fam
ing cheeks and replied rather
abruptly:
But you haven't heard 1t yet How
ever, it's not much of yarn. 1t hap
pened several years ago--a lady, a
client, came to me for advice. She
was married---married. say, to an art
ist a painter big. good for nothing
fellow, who was lazy, who drank. ran
after his models and spent her money"
Marden was interrupted.
Excuse me; you said the lady was
rich?"
did I?'
Certainly Spent her money was
your last phrase
"Oh.-well, perhaps shouldn't have
said her money. She had no money. I
meant that her husband had money
and didn't spend it or her. A mere
slip of the tongue
Good I'm regular cross-exam-
iner. you see.
True. You might prove difficult
witness in the chair.
My friend--my client-informed me
that her husband was so lazy. that he
remained in bed until / or 2 in the