"Very good. To go over a stock farm has been a pleasure I have held in reserve until a proper opportunity presented itself. Shall I ride or walk?"
"Dismiss the carriage and be my guest for the day, I will have you a horse brought to ride."
"Oh, thank you, awfully," returned the profuse stranger. And he indicated his acceptance by carrying out the host's suggestion.
"Call for me in time for the east-bound evening train," he said, to the driver.
Pretty soon the Major had the horse brought, and they rode down to the stables.
"I think, Mr. Frost, I have heard your name before."
The other felt himself swelling. "I shouldn't wonder; I am a dauber of portraits, from New York, and you I have heard quite a deal of, through young Milburn."
"Robert Milburn! Why bless the boy, I am quite interested in his career; he, too, had aspirations in that line. How did he turn out?" asked the Major, with considerable interest.
"Well, he is an industrious worker, and may yet do some clever work, if drink doesn't throw him."
"Drink!" exclaimed the other, "I can scarcely believe it. He impressed me as a sober youth, full
