Howard Pyle, a chronicle by Charles D. Abbott, with an introduction by N. C. Wyeth and many illustrations from Howard Pyle's works.

HOWARD PYLE: A CHRONICLE
of which I tore said hat. This morning the costumer, a
big, flabby, meek man, came to my studio. 'How you like
dose soldier clothes?' he said. It was Sunday to be sure,
but in spite of that I took him by the buttonhole a 'nd so
retained him while I reproached him bitterly. He took
the costume and the torn hat meekly away, evidently looking
upon me as the, most magnanimous of men, that I spoke
of my grievances rather in sorrow than anger. In consequence of this, I shall probably have to have a costume made-four or five of us will probably go in together
and have several made under our own supervisioncorrectly....
"And now for the most important item-but I must take
a new sheet of paper. I take a fresh pen, dip it in the ink
and begin-Harpers want me to go to Texas for them.
There, I knew I should break the news too suddenly to
you! Yes, Harpers want me to go to Texas for them;i for
four or five months too, and probably in three or four weeks.
Mr. Parsons spoke of it to me the other day, asking upon
what terms I would go. I told him I did not think forty
dollars a week and expenses paid would be too much, and
he agreed with me. I did not j ump very eagerly at the
proposal as I should like now for the present to remain
permanently in New York. Here I enj oy myself; I have
found at last congenial companions among the more considerable artists. There I shall have a hard life, a great
deal of horseback travel from ranch to ranch, which induces
a sore sitting-down place, and introductions to total strangers,
which I hate. I consulted Shirlaw and Church whose
opinions I greatly rely on: Church says go of course; Shir.,
law says, 1I don't know; it may do you good.' On the next
[62.]