It was a mere daub, but to his untrained eye it was like the pictures in the Art Gallery, where he had spent a couple of dull afternoons.

Over the piano a framed certificate announced that Clara Grimes had passed the junior grade of Trinity College in 1890.

And Jonah, who had an eye for business like a Jew, who moved in an atmosphere of profit and loss, suddenly felt ill at ease.

His shop, his money, and his success must seem small things to these women who lived in the world of art.

His thoughts were brought back to earth by a sudden crash.