Nevertheless, there was in his aspect, as he sat there, a prophetic note of discouragement, of ebbing vitality which startled his friend.
'I say,' said Watson, abruptly, 'you've been over-doing it.

Have you made it up with the Academy ?' Fenwick laughed.
'Goodness, no!' 'Where have you been exhibiting this year ?' 'At the gallery I always take.

And I sent some things to the Grosvenor.' Watson shook his head.
'It's an awful pity.

You'd got in--you should have stayed in--and made yourself a power.' Fenwick's attitude stiffened.
'I have never regretted it for a single hour--except that the scene itself was ridiculous.' Watson knew very well to what he referred.

Some two years before, it had been the nine days wonder of artistic London.