They will feed you, sir, or by God you'll starve! But you need have no fear that the crust of genius will be your portion," he added meaningly.

"As I remarked--the 'Goddess' has her eye upon you." "And why do you so distinguish the lady ?" asked the artist, quietly amused--with just a hint of well-bred condescension.

"Has Mrs.Taine such powerful influence in the world of art ?" If Conrad Lagrange noticed his companion's manner he passed it by.

"I perceive," he said, "that you are still somewhat lacking in the rudiments of your profession.

The statement of faith adhered to by modern climbers on the ladder of fame--such as I have been, and you aspire to be--is that 'Pull' wins.