“I’m very fond of drawing, but I don’t know much about it,” replied Charles.
“You are not taking lessons in drawing, I believe?” inquired Marcus.
“No, sir; I wanted to, but father said it was of no use,” replied Charles.
“I think it would be of use,” said Marcus; “that is, if you have as much taste for it as I think you have. I wish you would let me see one of your drawings,—perhaps I could persuade your father to let you take lessons, if I think it worth while.”
“I’ve got one in my desk—I’ll run and get it,” said Charles; and he darted off, soon returning with a very neatly executed drawing of a dog hunting a stag, which he had copied with much skill from an engraving.
“That is very creditable to you—very much so,” said Marcus, as he examined the picture. “You certainly have a taste for drawing, and your father must let you take lessons of Miss Tillotson. I will speak to him about it, this week.”
The young artist looked pleased and grateful, and Marcus left him, not only feeling a new interest in the boy, but with a firm persuasion that he should have no further trouble with him.
The above is a representation of Charles’s drawing. Marcus took the trouble to call upon Mr. Wilder, that afternoon, and after a little persuasion obtained permission for Charles to take drawing lessons.
A day or two after this, Marcus found on his desk, one morning, an anonymous note, which read as follows:—