“John was always much slower to learn matters than the rest of us,” Nielsen said dreamily.
“Yes.”
“He’s foolishly sensitive too.”
“And foolishly sentimental,” Breen concluded.
There was a pause.
“And how about your story?” the painter continued.
“By the way, I’m thinking of using Erna as a model for—”
“Want her to pose for you too, old Sly Fox?” Breen demanded in revenge.
“Of course, and incidentally to find out—”
“I know,” Breen interrupted, and the pair laughed in mutual admiration.