MEADVILLE. 185 



companion, returned, breakfasted, and went to the store, where, notwith- 

 standing ray ardent desire to begin my task, it was ten o'clock before the 

 sitter was ready. But, reader, allow me to describe the artisfs room. 

 See me ascending a crazy flight of steps, from the back part of a store-room 

 into a large garret extending over the store and counting room, and 

 mark me looking round to see how the light could be stopped from ob- 

 truding on me through no less than four windows facing each other at 

 right angles. Then follow me scrutinizing the corners, and finding in 

 one a cat nursing her young, among a heap of rags intended for the 

 paper-mill. Two hogsheads filled with oats, a parcel of Dutch toys care- 

 lessly thrown on the floor, a large drum and a bassoon in another part, 

 fur caps hanging along the wall, and the portable bed of the merchant's 

 clerk swinging like a hammock near the centre, together with some rolls 

 of sole leather, made up the picture. I saw all this at a glance, and 

 closing the extra windows with blankets, I soon procured a painter's light. 



A young gentleman sat, to try my skill. I finished his phiz, which 

 was approved of. The merchant then took the chair, and I had the good 

 fortune to please him also. The room became crowded with the gentry 

 of the village. Some laughed, while others expressed their wonder ; but 

 my work went on notwithstanding the observations that were made. My 

 sitter invited me to spend the evening with him, which I did, and joined 

 him in some music on the flute and violin. I returned to my companion 

 with great pleasure; and you may judge how much that pleasure was in- 

 creased, when I found that he also had made two sketches. Having 

 written a page or two of our journals, we retired to rest. 



The following day was spent much in the same manner. I felt high- 

 ly gratified that from under my grey coat my talents had made their way 

 and I was pleased to discover that industry and moderate abilities prove 

 at least as valuable as first-rate talents without the former of these qua- 

 lities. We left Meadville on foot, having forwarded our baggage by 

 waggon. Our hearts were light, ovir pockets replenished, and we walked 

 in two days to Pittsburg, as happy as circumstances permitted us to be. 



