A STORY OF SIR JOHN MILLAIS.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1988, 14 May 1906, Page 7

A STORY OF SIR JOHN MILLAIS.

.When Sir .John Millais was a student at the Royal Academy, he rejoiced in the friendship of a fellow student of the name of Pothord. I’otherd, among other eccentricities affected a long' blue cloak with a cat--1 skin collar, which he wore on all occasions, and which brought him the nickname of “Roy Blue.’’ Millais was still struggling with his charcoal when “Roy Blue’’ left the Academy and set up as a full-fledged artist, and the friends thus became separated. Millais had achieved fame and painted some world-reuouned pictures before he met his old friend again. Walking down the streets of Camden Town one day, Sir John saw a man in a blue cloak trudging along before him. "Surely,” said Millais, "I know that cloak ! It must be I’otherd.' ’ Quickening his step he called out, “Hallo, Pothord ! Plow are you?” “And who may you be?” said little “Roy Blue.” “J am Millais. Don’t you remember me ?” ; “Not little Johnny Millais, sure-! ly ?“ said the shabby Potherd, sur- I veying the well-groomed Sir John. 1 “Judging by your appearance. Millias, I should say you had given the arts the go-by. What do you do for I a liv ing ?” j “Paint,” groaned Sir John, thinking what a very local thing fame is ' after all.