Often he found himself wandering towards his little gallery, content to stand about and gloat over some of his most treasured possessions.

Yet the man's personality clashed often with his artistic pretensions.

He scarcely ever found himself amongst his belongings without realising the existence of a curious feeling, wholly removed from the pure artistic pleasure of their contemplation.

It was the sense of ownership which thrilled him.
Something of the same sensation was upon him now.

She was the sort of woman he had craved for always--slim, elegant, and what to him, with his quick powers of observation, counted for so much, she was modish, reflecting in her presence, her dress and carriage, even her speech, the best type of the prevailing fashion.