"Oh—I—no; but they are well done: are n't they, sir?"—
"Not particularly: you speak to the artist."
"What! you painted them?"
"Yes."
"And the pictures in the hall?"
"Those too."
"Taken from nature, eh?"
"Nature," said the Italian, sententiously, perhaps evasively, "lets nothing be taken from her."
"Oh!" said Frank, puzzled again. "Well, I must wish you good morning, sir; I am very glad you are coming."
"Without compliment?"