"Taken me away——?"
"From the love of art. I like them myself now, poor George's treasures. I didn't of old so much, because it seemed to me he made too much of them—he was always talking."
"Well, I won't always talk," said Nick.
"You may do as you like—they're yours."
"Give them to the nation," Nick went on.
"I like that! When we've done with them."
"We shall have done with them when your Vandykes and Moronis have cured me of the delusion that I may be of their family. Surely that won't take long."
"You shall paint me," said Julia.
"Never, never, never!" He spoke in a tone that made his companion stare—then seemed slightly embarrassed at this result of his emphasis. To relieve himself he said, as they had come back to the place beside the lake where the boat was moored, "Shan't we really go and fetch Mr. Hoppus?"
She hesitated. "You may go; I won't, please."