The Argosy — page 393: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

372 YOSODHARA. By THE AUTHOR OF ‘** THE PROPHET’S MANTLE.” T was an ideal spot for a lounge and a smoke, and the ruined Abbey, ivy-veiled, moss-covered, was an ideal subject for a sketch. Only the first of these ideals had been acted on, for though an easel was set up at a good point, the canvas on it was blank except for a little scribble of a head in one corner. ‘There were some artists’ tools lying on the ground, and among them a note-book whose white pages the weak wind was gently fluttering. A great hawthorn tree grew close against the wall of what had been the refectory, and the grass under it was thick and cool and green. Stray gleams of sunshine filtered through the screen of leaves and boughs, and fell in shifting patches of softened hght on the two young men who lay there, idly blowing clouds of blue-grey smoke into the clear August air. ‘“‘ Has it ever struck you,” said the younger of the two, breaking a long restful silence, “‘that you and I are not unlike two celebrated heroes of modern fiction ? ” ‘Well, I always thought myself rather like Guy Livingstone ; but I don’t know who on earth you’re like—unless it’s Bunthorne,” with a glance at his friend’s velvet coat. ‘“My dear Rivers, we are the living counterparts of the twins in the ‘ Golden Butterfly.’ ” ‘No, no, Kerr,” cried Rivers, ‘‘we’re not quite fifty! And we do get through some work, and we don’t both fancy ourselves in love with the same woman.” “ Ahem!” said Kerr, and they both laughed. ‘Seriously though,” he went on, ‘the resemblance, in one point at least, is simply startling. We came here three weeks ago ; you to begin your picture for next year’s Academy, and [ to finish the play which is to make me famous. What have we done so far? You have made about forty odd sketches of one charming little head, and I have written about the same number of sonnets and rondels and quatrains under the ‘same inspiration.” ‘By jove! I’m afraid you're about right.” And in view of the seriousness of the situation, Mr. John Rivers raised himself on his elbow to deliver himself of his sentiments. ‘ Look here, Kerr ; it’s too near luncheon time to begin anything now, but I shall commence a sketch of this tree and wall this very afternoon, and I should advise you to get through with your next scene.” ‘‘T admire your virtuous resolution immensely,” returned Kerr. “Tam sorry I can’t join you in carrying out the same, for our ECORNICLOOKS»€O