The Pensacola journal., 1906-04-07

studio under yarick's personal
supervision. and it suited the
young artist admirably, There was
light. there was space enough for all
his things and for distance" when he
was at work, and there was seclusiOn
such as every person engaged in an ar.
tistic pursuit should have, for hia own
sake and for the peace Of mind of those
who love him.
When the heavy door was closed Var
ick could swear in French, German or
English without fear that his two old
maid sisters would hear him, and or
good days, when Satan had departed
out Of crayons and brushes and a
benefcent spirit had come to animate
them, the door could be opened so that
the girls" might hear their brother
sing as he toiled.
1t was not good day, and the door
was shut Some one knocked. Varick,
who was putting up a curtain made Of
two sheets across corner Of the stu
dio, pounded his thumb with hammer
as he turned to say ''Come in" He was
sitting on the top of stepladder nurs-
ing his thumb when the door swung
open.
Immediately Varick assumed the
pose Of one who listens, and with raised
finger he checked his sister, who would
have spoken. She also listened, smil-
ing.
That's what l came to tell you,"
said she at last. Florence is here"
I'm glad she's feeling better" re
sponded Varick.
''Better?"
"Oh, she hasn't been Ill that 1 know
Of; just blue"
How do you know thatT
Because she hasn't been over" he
replied. when Florence isn't getting
on with her work she stays away. She
won't burden me with her discourage
ments."
He laughed grimly at the notion that
the burden could be taken from him in
such a manner.
II think she paints very well. IT,
mo, she doesn't" responded Variek,
with decision. 'but If she fights like
a soldier and works like birthstone
blazes"-
'She's only girl"
"a girl with futurer' he exclaimed
"But she win have to win her way to it
with sword and fire. However, I haven't
time to talk to her about it today. ]
have troubles of my own"
A voice from beyond the door said,
What are they?" and Florence en-
tered.
Varick from the top Of the stepladder
surveyed her keenly for an instant,
then he descended briskly and ad-
vanced with extended hand. His heart
was full Of love, but his head was In
control, and not a trace Of sentimental
weakness marred the perfect picture Of
good comradeship which he presented.
'.Tihe top o. the morning to you," said
he. You're more than welcome. need
you"
That's cheering" she replied. I'm
glad that a demand for my services
exists somewhere"
'It exists everywhere" said he, with
spirit, ''only you won't see it. You're
low in your mind again, Florence;
that's all. Take a new grip on your
self. Get into the battle and fight
harder. And. by the way, what's gone
wrong this time? Is it that cover de-
signP'
''Yes. But never mind. Let's talk
about your work. What have you
there, behind that curtain-a tree?"
"a Christmas tree" said he
aren't you a little in advance Of the
season? It's three weeks to Christ
mas"
"This tree" said Varick, drawing
aside the curtain, r. sacred to art and
not to benefcence. We may make a
real one Of it later, however. At pres
ent this Is the game-Pm illustrating
Hawley Chase's new book, and
isn't that fineT" exclaimed the girl.
you will make a big hit, I'm sure"
There was true good will In her tone,
quantity mingled with a touch Of envy.
Il must" responded Vsrick, with de
cision. Il suppose that Chase stands
at the head Of the younger popular au-
thors. This book Of his is sure Of 15O,-
600 circulation. 1t will be read every
where. tell you, Florence, this is a
great chance for me-"
How long have you had itT'
about a week"
"I think you might have let me
know"
Il was expecting you over here every
day, and I've been at work twenty-sev-
en- hours out Of every twenty y-four. The
publishers are in a frightful hurry.
guess that's why got the job; the IA
nous fellows wouldn't rush so. I've
made one picture already. What do
you think of it9'
BE set the picture on the easel, and
they regarded it for moment in 81 |
lence.
"It's dreadfully sensational" said the /
girl, with a little laugh, but it's all |