"How painted? do you mean to say that they paint flowers now? Ah! I understand, you mean that I ought to have a portrait made of it? I have thought of that for some of my other rare plants; but I was on bad terms with my brother, and when I went to other painters I was never satisfied with their crazy daubing. I paid big prices and then slashed the canvas or tore the paper."
"And you have never thought of Julien?"
"Bah! Julien! an apprentice!"
"Have you ever seen any of his work?"
"No, nothing, faith!"
"Do you want me to bring——"
"No, nothing, I tell you. We are not on good terms."
"Yes you are! He has always called on you on the first of January every year, and you have never had any fault to find with his manner toward you."
"True, he is well brought up, he isn't stupid or bad-looking; but since I refused to advance him the money to redeem the house at Sèvres——"
"Julien has never uttered a word of blame or dissatisfaction, I give you my word of honor."