The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-11-30

bIance of an efficient artist
 His mind had been full of fine resolu- hons. He would engage good teacher. some competent artist whom fortune had not treated we'll and who would be glad of the job--Washington Square and it's neigh borhood were full of them-and settle down grimly, working regular hours, to recover lost ground.
 Among the motley crowd which had made the e'-studio home in the days of 'Kirk's bachelorhood had been aH ar4ist-oue might, almost say an ex-artfst-named Robert Dwight. Penway. An ,overfondness for rye whisky at the sBrevoort cafe had handi- capped Robert as an active force tn the world of New York art. As practical worker he was not greatly esteemed-least of all by the editors of magazines, who Rad paid advance checks to him for work which when delivered at all was delivered too late for publication. These, once bitten, were now twice shy of Mir. Penway. They did not indisputable; but they were fixed in their determination not to make use of them.
 Robert Dwight Penway, run to earth one sultry evening, in the BreNoort, welcomed Kirk as brother, as rich brother. Even when his first impression, that he was to and mix freely with touchable muitimillion aires had been corrected, his ..ttitnde was still brotherly. He parted from Kirk with many solemn promises to present himself at the studio daily and teach him enough art to put him clear at the top of the profession. Way above all these other dubs," as- serted MT. -Penway.
 Surprisingly to those who knew him, MT. Penway was as good as his word.
 So Kirk settled down to routine of hard work; and so doing, drove another blow at the wedge which was separating his life from Ruth's. There were days now and then they did not meet at all, and others when khnxy Nth &op cNnPf v,Nn- ments in which neither seemed to have much to say.
 He began to make headway. His begin nings were small, but practical.
 MT. Penway was good enough to approve of his progress Being free from any mUr- progress to its proper source.
 Only once during those days did Kirk al low himself to weaken and admit to him self how wretched he was He was drawing a picture of Steve at the time, and Steve had the sympathy which encourages weak ness in others.
 It tseemed to Steve that nothing was going right these days. Here was he, chafing at his inability to open his heart to Mamie. Here was Kirk, obviously in trouble. And a smaller thing, but of interest, as showing how universal the present depression was there was Billie Bannister, equally obviously much worried over something or other.
 For Bailey had reinstated Steve in the place he had occupied before old John Ban mister had dismissed him and for some time past Steve had marked him down as a man with secret trouble.
 But it was the case of Kirk that worried him most, for he half guessed that the lat ter's gloom had to do with Ruth; and he worshipped Ruth.
 Kirk laid down his sketch and got up.
 T guess that'll do for the moment, Steve"
 Steve relaxed. 'You certainly are work ing to beat the band just now, squire," he remarked.
 Its a pretty good thing, work, Steve" said Kirk. ''If it does nothing else, it keeps you from thinking"
 "Well, Steve, he said, "what do you think of life? How is this best of all pos sible worlds treating you?"
 Steve deposed that life was pretty punk.
 You're a great describer, Steve You've hit it first time. Punk is the word. It's funny, if you look at it properly. Take my own case. The superficial observer, who is apt to be a bonehead, would say that I ought to be- singing psalms of joy. am married to the woman I wanted to marry. I have a son who, not to be fulsome, is a perfectly good sort of son. I have no finan- cial troubles. I eat well. I sleep we'll I have ceased to tremble when see a job of work. If can't be merry and bright, who can? Do you find me merry and bright, Steve?"
 "I've seen you in better shape"
 "Pve felt in better shape"