Alaska sentinel., 1909-02-04
Le0Ining 0n Old Lesson
~oONNN@N@~

Ralph Brereton was 22, a rising ar tist-and in love. He worshlppeu Ill the shrine of Kathleen Beyis, the Ia moys actress. Given the opportunity Ralph would describe her charms In detail, starting at the inevitable red gold hair and finishing, twenty minutes later. at her dainty feet. Suffice It that Kitty Bevis deserved most of her ad- mirer's eulogles. Conway Roys, uncle and guardian to the artist, was the well-known authority on ancient archi- lecture. A cynical, interesting-lo man of 40, whose chief hobbies were dramatic criticism and his nephew's career Brereton's work fully warrant ed the assumption that he would one day paint really good picture. Pos siblv for the sake of enhancing the reputation for propriety, he spent as much time as possible at his country house in the cathedral city of Lynces- ter. When, therefore. he heard from Ralphs own lips that "the only thing in the world worth living for was love, V he felt annoyed Love, as Roys had proved. had nothing whatever to do with success.
 The two men were something more than uncle and nephew-real friends ; and were discussing the situation in Conway's smoking room with consld- erable candor.
 Well" remarked the older man, "I know it's no use my calling you an ass. Ralph. telling you that you are neglect ing your opportunities for a passion that will be dead In a year; you wouldn't believe me Besides, I've had the complaint myself"
 Ralph got up from his chair and came over to his uncle.
 You In love, dear old Con. I can hardly imagine 1t, though I was sure you wouldn't rot me. But If you knew Kitty Bevis-"
 q did know her." interrupted Roys. "eight years ago. Now, look here, Ralph. Why not find in her a source of inspiration? Let your enthusiasm get into your next picture; paint 1t to the honor of the dalntiest. sweetest. and, in more ways than one the clever est woman who ever juggled with the hearts of men, She Is resting near Lyncester for a month, as you probably know. Execute your masterpiece, and let her see It." The two men parted hat night better friends than ever.
 
 The day following, whilst Ralph Brereton was attempting to capture the elusive half lights in the interior of the cathedral, Conway ROys called on Miss Kathleen Bevis. The famous ac- tress was dispensing tea in the country house.
 "So good of you to look me up, Mir. Roys, after all these years; thought you had forgotten me entirely
 A mental cinematograph was run ming through the minds of each. He looks we'll" thought Kitty. "Older, and his mouth a trfle harder, but unques- tionably interesting"
 Same old Kitty" thought Conway. Exquisite and dainty; same glorious hair, same blue baby eyes. No wonder Ralph was infatuated" But he an- swered In an even voice. "No one who has had the privilege of knowing you ever forgets, Kitty"
 She smiled as she handed him a cup of tea, and replied: Remembers even my Christian name. Come, now, why am I honored with this vislt?
 q should imagine" said Conway, slowly stirring his tea, that you could guess. I've called to consult you about my nephew"
 Kitty's face hardened slightly but her smile was sweet as ever.
 Ralph Brereton! Nice boy, Ralph. Yes?"
 Well, he loves you"
 "M-m; so he has told me. Does he find It necessary to consult his uncle upon his love affairs?"
 Generally speaking, mo-" answered Conway hurriedly If he knew my er- rand here today he would never for give me But, Kitty, you're spelling his work, you're spelling his life You and I were pals once. I ask you-to- drop him. Will you?"
 Kitty gazed first at her tea cup and