"Really, my dear," she said, "the young man seems very intelligent, and, indeed, _distingue_, if his clothes were better."
"Artists cannot dress handsomely at their work, Aunt Caroline."
"No, I suppose not. Still, I fancy Mr. Vernon is poor. He has a very plain studio."
"He hopes to get into a better one soon, he tells me."
"He looks as if he had seen better days," said Mrs. Sheldon, reflectively. "I've a great mind to ask him."
"Oh, pray don't, Aunt Caroline!" said Grace, in alarm.
"He may be sensitive on the subject. It may arouse painful thoughts."
When Grace's portrait was sent home, she took pains to show it to her friends in the hope that she might procure additional work for the young artist. She was successful, and before Mrs. Sheldon's was completed, Mr. Vernon had received three orders from friends of the heiress, one a gentleman, who felt safe in patronizing one whom Miss Dearborn spoke well of.
With considerable diffidence, on the recommendation of Grace, Vernon ventured to charge the same sum--two hundred dollars--and was surprised to find that his new patrons more readily agreed to pay this sum than the very modest price he had formerly asked. They took it for granted that a man who demanded such prices must be an artist of high rank, and agreed to his terms without a word.
The fact that he had felt justified in taking a more commodious and spacious studio, and had purchased a new suit, helped him, for most people judge by appearances.
Before he left the old studio, however, he had a call from a friend of Miss Framley and Miss Cutler, who ignorant of the favorable turn in his affairs, expected to obtain his work on equally favorable terms.
Frederic Vernon was alone when the young lady--Miss Henrietta Simmons--came sailing in, rustling in silk, and modeled after the latest fashion plate.
"Mr. Vernon, I suppose?" she said, condescendingly.
"Two of my friends, Miss Cutler and Miss Framley, have sat to you for their portraits."
"Really, you succeeded very well in both," said the young lady, patronizingly.
"I have about made up my mind to employ you."
"I shall be glad to accept your commission."
"I suppose the terms will be the same," said the young lady, carelessly.
"Miss Framley told me you wouldn't charge me any more than she paid."