The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1916-12-26


his knowledge Of the great artists
other works, this painting bearing the
same individual characteristics.
Markham told her that what trou-
bled him was that the work could be
bought for a song and he hadn't
enough money to buy cigar, which
In Italy may be had for fraction of
cent. He begged Miss Trevor to try
to raise 80 francs, the price asked by
the finder of the picture She hap
pened to have the money, having just
been paid so francs for copying a
painting, and offered to lend it to her
lover But Markham would not listen
to such a proposal If she took risk
on his opinion she should reap the ben
eft in case he was right. She gave
him the money to invest for her, and
be brought the picture to her studio.
All depended on whether when the
accumulated dirt was removed from
the corner the magic name would APP
pear which, like Midas touch, would
turn the picture into gold. Markham
had brought with him cleaning mate
rails and, setting the picture on an
easel began to rub. The first letter
that appeared was an a." then an 81"
then another q" and an co. Then,
working the other way, he exposed the
word ''Murillop
Miss Trevor was too much excited
to take an unbiased look at the pic
ture, and if she had done so it would
have awaited nothing for it was all, ex-
cept the name, covered with dust
Markham took 1t away, promising to
let her see it when it had been cleaned,
but before the dirt had been taken of
he reported to her that the paInling
had been snapped up by an American
pork packer for 100000 lire.
So 1t was that the impoverished
American copyist was suddenly en-
riched by $4,000, an amount which
invested at per cent would yield S4,-
600 year. To one who could not al
ways afford an Italian breakfast of
coffee and rolls this was wealth In
: deed. Markham expected-at least
hoped-that the possessor would throw
/ her arms around his neck and say,
Now we can be happy together" In
stead she asked:
when shall l get the money!"
Il am to go to the bank tomorrow,
where the purchaser will draw on Chi
cago The draft viii be cashed by the
bank, and / will receive certificate of
deposit in your name"
Markham wondered If she would of
fer to divide. She said no more He
was curious to know If anything more
to his satisfaction would be said on
payment Of the money
The next day he brought her a Ger
tiflcate of deposit for 100000 lire
She looked at it, Toasted her eyes on it,
and pleasant smile came over her
lips.
Don't you think" she said, that
| ought to give you some of this for
finding the picture and-doing it ALP
"Not cent You risked your money
and are entitled to the profit"
Il suppose now she began and
paused.
"Now what?"
IF you feel the same
81 do"
There's no objection to-
Markham was about to embrace her
when she motioned him to desist.
"Pm afraid you'll spend the money
and Wen be in poverty again. You
must expect to leave 1t in my keeping
81 promise"
your promise isn't enough. You.
must sign paper waving all a hus-
bands rights to his wife's money"
This was baekset to Markham's
happiness, but he consented. She pro-
duced contract which she had had
prepared by her attorney. He signed
It. and they were married.
Markham had hired the picture paint
ed for 80 francs, had put the artists
name on it himself and smeared it with
dirt. He was the wealthy packer who
had bought it.
When Mrs. Markham discovered that
she had married multimillionaire she
felt q bit troubled about having re-
quired her fiance to resign all rights to.
her fortune, but not for long.
Il don't think. you treated me fair
ly, dear she said to him.
"In what respect?"
why, If had known how rich you
are l would have required a settle.
ment"