Marrion listened, hoping that he would kindly speak his name, but what a tumult within stirred him to pathetic, unspoken appeal, as the speech ended without the slightest reference to his model.
As the enthusiastic friends thronged about him, Marrion could not help showing that he rejoiced with them.
His unexpected appearance in their midst created a decided sensation. He extended his hand warmly to Robert, and said most cordially:
“Let me congratulate you, too.”
With a look of intense loathing the artist waved him away, and folding his arms said coldly:
“Excuse me, sir.”
Some one of the party whispered:
“Don’t mind that, Latham; Milburn has imbibed a little too freely.”