Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-09-14


palette and brushes suspended in the air. "Oh! he
murmured in confusion. Really is it you
Madame"
at is Very and dusty after the climb up your
filthy stairs. suppose ought to be used to this kind
of welcome; but I'm not, somehow. Besides I'm
bringing visitor, and | had hoped to find you in
pleasanter mood
He showed his white teeth as he laughed "Oh, Lord!
Pleasant And then afterthought very frankly,
Il don't suppose | am very pleasant.
He stood aside bowling Hernia emerged from the
shadows, rather awkward and impatient and revealed
quite plainly his disappointment.
Olga Tcherny fell into the easiest chair and looked up
at the painter with her caressing smile. you've been
working-you've got the fog of it on you. Are we in
the way?"
Emo. It's in rather here, that's all. l
was working; but I'm quite willing to STOP
"I'm afrai1 you've further wish for me, that
I'm no longer useful" she sighed. "Youre not going
to discard easiybesides we're not going to stay
long, only minute. | hoping Miss Challoner
could see the portrait.
He glanced at Hernia almost resertfuly, and fdgeted
with his brushes. "Yeso of It's the least
do-isnt it? The portrait isn't finished. It's dried in
too; but"
He laid his palette slowly down. and wiped his brushes
carefully on piece of cheesecloth, put in
frame upon the easel and showed it forward into better
light.
HERNIA followed his movements curously, that
whom two pretty women had ever condescended TO CALL
and stood uncomfortable realizing that he had not
offered her chair. But when the portrait was turned
toward the light she forgot everything but the
before her
1t was startling portrait bold almost to the point
of brutality, and Hernia recognized its indvidu-
atty wondering the capacity for analysis that had
made the painters delineation of character remark
able and his brush unerring. She stole another,
curious, glance at him. The hdeous goggles and
the rumpe1 hair could disguise the strong lines OF
his face which she in profile heavy brows the
straight nose the thin, rather sensitive lips, and the
strong, clearly chin Properly dressed this queer
creature might have been made presentable. But his
manners! No grooming could ever make such man
gentleman!
ats like you, Olga, of course, she said flppantly
"but it's at all pretty"
The words fell sharply, and Markham and the Coun-
tess turned toward the Phlistne who stood with her
head cooked on side, her akmbo
81 try think in terms of prettiness, Markham
explained slowly. "Had you been merely pretty don't
think should have attempted"
"But isn't the mission of art to beautify-to adorn!
broke in Hernia mercilessly bromide.
Markham turned and looked at her as though he had
suddenly discovered the presence of insect that
needed determination any dear young lady, the
mission of art is to tell the TRUTH" he growed "When
find it impossible do that shall take up another
trade"
"Oh!7 said Hernia, enjoying herself immensely. Al
didn't mean to discourage you.
81 don really think that you have put in Markham.
Olga Tcherny laughed from her chair In bored
amusement Hernia DEAR she said dryly, Il hardly
brought you here defect the orbit of genius Poor
Mr.. Markham! l shudder to think of his disastrous
career if it depended upon your approval
am not fashionable portrait painter, thank God'
Markham exclaimed with some warmth Il have no
interest in the people who compose fashionable society,"
nor in their money their aims ideals the lack of
them paint what interests me-and shall continue
to do So" He shrugged his shoulders and laughed
toward Olga. "Whats the use Madame? In