The Spectator., 1915-07-27
CALTHORPE'S SUCCESS 
 By HOPE AINSLEE.

CalthorpeS feeling toward the per son who was treading lightly about | in the room above him was that of gratitude, The former occupant Of that room had been heavy of step and seemed ever ready to drag furniture across the floor or to drop endless trifles, such as trunks and pianos, with a thud just over his head. Poor Calthorpe had been driven to distrac- ton, and his painting had suffered no less than his ceilings.
 It was while he was pondering dis consolately over the failure of his great Path Through the Woods canvas that Calthorpe paused to listen for the footsteps above him. It seemed to his sensitive ears that the steps dragged and were weary.
 He started suddenly. The dull thud that broke the rhythmic tread above sent a chilly fear over Calthorpe. He went into the hall and up the flight 1 of stairs that took him to the land ing and then to the door of the room above his own. He knocked softly. There was no answer. Continued knocking brought no response, and Calthorpe's fears were accentuated.
 It was not until he had rushed down for a huge accumulation of keys in his possession and had tried l each one quickly that he succeeded In gaining access to the room. He glanced in, caught a swift breath and closed the door gently.
 It was as he had feared. The thud had been the falling of a human body, and Calthorpe knelt down to raise the girls figure into sitting posture. Her head fell inertly against his shoulder
 He looked quickly about for means of recalling her to life. The room was pitifully lacking in nourishment either for the body or the soul. He lifted her gently and bore her down to his studio.
 It was not many more seconds be- fore he felt an emotional stab that left him trembling. It was when the girls eyes opened and looked af- frightedly into his own. There was : itNCdlGu ouSU c1 htpNh pl SuhSi III D. SA misery and of pathos in those eyes that Calthorpe came near losing the remnant of strength and reason he still possessed. He was dominated by an impulse either to weep beside her or to press her face against his breast that he might hide from her the world that she had found so bitter
 'I think I must have fainted." These were the first words she spoke.
 There's not much doubt about it" Calthorpe said gently. You did l faint"
 That was very foolish of me- the girl sighed wearily. Then she straight ened herself and looked about her wOnderingly. Almost unconsciously she accepted the dainty bits of nour- ishment that Calthorpe put into her fingers.
 Yes. I am frightfully tired of life," she said. as if divining his mental attitude toward her. T am unutterably weary" She spoke not bitterly or cynically. but calmly, hopelessly
 You see," the girl continued, "I | have lost every one who was dear to me. I, saw them all snatched from me in one ghastly moment. l have been trying to work, but l seem un- able to stand the strain. You don't blame me for not wanting to live, do you?"
 No n1f niA nnA quickly to his feet. "I don't blame you at all. my child" She seemed little more than a child as she sat gazing wonderingly upon the com fort of his studio. He turned sud dently toward her "I want to paint your portrait. If you will just sit as you are for me l will do every thing in my power to make the world a happier place for you"
 Calthorpe was becoming so excited over the prospect of putting the ex- quisite face on canvas that uncon. sciously he moved toward his paints.
 At this the girl, with her painfully bought understanding and sympathy. laughed softly. You may begin to ! Her tone was that .of one to whom it mattered little what she did.
 
 Calthorpe called his canvas "A Study" When 1t was hung and the world of art had cast appreciative eyes upon it, Calthorpe was no longer a struggling landscape painter. He was a portrait painter of rare genius-one who could by masterly strokes of the brush bring forth the soul of his sub ject. His Study" could have been sold ten times over. and the price it brought finally was triumph for Calthorpe.
 |
 A slender woman. in soft mouse velvet, with wonderful auburn hair