Fenwick was then triumphant, in what, it was supposed, would be his 'first period'-- that 'young man's success,' brilliant, contested, noisy, from which, indeed, many roads lead, to many goals; but with him, at that time, the omens were of the best.

His pictures were always among the events of the spring exhibitions; he had gathered round him a group of enthusiastic pupils who worked in the studio of the new house; and he had already received a good many honours at the hands of foreign juries.

He was known to be on the threshold of the Academy, and to be making, besides, a good deal of money.

'Society' had first admitted him as the _protege_ of Lord Findon and the friend of Madame de Pastourelles, and was now ready to amuse itself with him, independently, as a genius and an 'eccentric.' He had many enemies; but so have all 'fighters.' The critics spoke severely of certain radical defects in his work, due to insufficiency of early training; defects which time might correct--or stereotype.
But the critics 'must be talking'; and the public, under the spell of a new and daring talent, appeared to take no notice.
As these recollections passed through Watson's mind, another expression showed itself in the hollow-cheeked, massive face.

It was the look of the visionary who sees in events the strange verification of obscure instincts and divinations in which he himself perhaps has only half-believed.