The painter was so strong a believer in the supernatural, had been subject to so many inexplicable influences, that he felt no surprise at the stranger's naming the subject of the veiled picture without uncovering it. But he repeated, sternly, "Belongs to you? What mean you by that remark?"
"I mean it is, or will be mine, by purchase."
"Not so."
"Then you will not sell it?"
"I will not part with it at any price."
The stranger smiled, but not sneeringly or sarcastically The expression of his countenance was mournful in the extreme, and likewise unpleasant, because the parting of his shrivelled lips displayed his large, yellow teeth in unpleasant relief. He opened the door, but paused upon the threshold.
"You will not part with it?"
"Once more, no!" replied the painter.
"No matter; the original will soon be mine."
The door closed rapidly behind his noiseless steps. A vague terror shot through the soul of the artist.