She fixed him with her conscious, perceptive eye and asked him if he spoke no French.

Then, "Donnez!" she said briefly, and took the open guide-book.

In the upper corner of the fly-leaf she traced a number, in a minute and extremely neat hand.

Then she handed back the book and took up her palette again.
Our friend read the number: "2,000 francs." He said nothing for a time, but stood looking at the picture, while the copyist began actively to dabble with her paint.

"For a copy, isn't that a good deal ?" he asked at last.