"That's a very true remark, my little man," was the reply, made in an encouraging tone.
"And they want painting badly."
"Also very true," said the man, with a good-humoured smile, for he felt amused with the boy's earnest manner and novelty of speech.
"Wouldn't you like to have them painted, and new hangings put to them?" pursued James.
"I don't know. It would certainly improve them very much."
"Oh yes, sir. They would look just like new. And if you let me do them, I will fix them all up nice for you, cheap."
"Will you, indeed? But what is your name, and where do you live?"
"My name is James Wallace, and I live with Mr. Lee, the blind-maker."
"Do you, indeed! Well, how much will you charge for painting them, and putting on new hangings?"
"I will do it for ten shillings, sir. The hangings and tassels will cost me three shillings, and the paint and varnish nearly two; and it will take me two or three evenings, besides getting up very early in the morning to work for Mr. Lee, so that I can have time to paint and varnish them when the sun shines."