CHAPTER XIII.
Inspiring effect of the Fine Arts: the vulgar are moved by their exhibition into generous impulses and flights of fancy, checked by the ungracious severities of their superiors, as exemplified in the instance of Cobbler Merle and his servant of-all-work.
The next day, perhaps with the idea of removing all scruple from Sophy's mind, Waife had already gone after his investment when the friends arrived.

Sophy at first was dull and dispirited, but by degrees she brightened up; and when, the sitting over and the picture done (save such final touches as Vance reserved for solitary study), she was permitted to gaze at her own effigy, she burst into exclamations of frank delight.

"Am I like that! is it possible?
Oh, how beautiful! Mr.
Merle, Mr.Merle, Mr.Merle!" and running out of the room before Vance could stop her, she returned with the Cobbler, followed, too, by a thin gaunt girl, whom he pompously called his housekeeper, but who in sober truth was servant-of-all-work.

Wife he had none: his horoscope, he said, having Saturn in square to the Seventh House, forbade him to venture upon matrimony.

All gathered round the picture; all admired, and with justice: it was a chef-d'oeuvre.