It was from Mr.Taine.
Enclosed was the millionaire's check.

The letter was a formal business note; the check was for an amount that drew a low whistle from the novelist's lips.
"Rather higher pay than old brother Judas received for a somewhat similar service, isn't it," he commented, as he passed the letter and check back to the artist.

Then, as he watched the younger man's face, he asked, "What's the matter, don't you like the flavor of these first fruits of your shame?
I advise you to cultivate a taste for this sort of thing as quickly as possible--in your own defense." "Don't you think you are a little bit too hard on us all, Lagrange ?" asked the artist, with a faint smile.

"These people are satisfied.

The picture pleases them." "Of course they are pleased," retorted the other.