Page:Pen And Pencil Sketches - Volume I.djvu/126

80 Paris International, the only English drawing that gained that distinction.

I have heard that the late Mr. Topham, member of the Society, and a very intimate friend of Mr. William Agnew, wrote to that gentleman in high praise of Walker’s “Spring,” of which he had had ample opportunities of judging as one of the arrangers of the Exhibition. He went so far as to say that this young artist combined the excel- lences of W. Hunt and Mulready, and superadded original qualities of his own. The price of the drawing, he added, was very high for so young a man. Mr. Agnew wrote to say he would be at the private view at an early hour. That day came, and so did Mr. Agnew according to promise. Topham was ready to receive him, and showed him the drawing. Mr. Agnew saw, approved, and signified his desire to become its possessor at the price named.

Meanwhile a young man in a highly wrought state of excitement had been nervously biting his nails, as he restlessly stood near the entrance door of the gallery. Topham went over to him, brought him up, and introduced him to Agnew as Fred Walker. They shook hands. The great picture merchant spoke in high terms of the drawing, and said he would be glad to have it. The pleasure and excitement overcame poor Walker — his heart