Already Pierre had anticipated something of this sort; the first sight of the easel having suggested it to him. His reply was therefore not wholly unconsidered. He said, that so far as she herself was concerned, the systematic practice of her art at present would certainly be a great advantage in supplying her with a very delightful occupation. But since she could hardly hope for any patronage from her mother’s fashionable and wealthy associates; indeed, as such a thing must be very far from her own desires; and as it was only from the Apostles she could—for some time to come, at least—reasonably anticipate sitters; and as those Apostles were almost universally a very forlorn and penniless set—though in truth there were some wonderfully rich-looking heads among them—therefore, Lucy must not look for much immediate pecuniary emolument. Ere long she might indeed do something very handsome; but at the outset, it was well to be moderate in her expectations. This admonishment came, modifiedly, from that certain stoic, dogged mood of Pierre, born of his recent life, which taught him never to expect any good from any thing; but always to anticipate ill; however not in unreadiness to meet the contrary; and then, if good came, so much the better. He added that he would that very morning go among the rooms and corridors of the Apostles, familiarly announcing that his cousin, a lady-artist in crayons, occupied a room adjoining his, where she would be very happy to receive any sitters.
“And now, Lucy, what shall be the terms? That is a very important point, thou knowest.”
“I suppose, Pierre, they must be very low,” said Lucy, looking at him meditatively.
“Very low, Lucy; very low, indeed.”
“Well, ten dollars, then.”
“Ten Banks of England, Lucy!” exclaimed Pierre. “Why, Lucy, that were almost a quarter’s income for some of the Apostles!”
“Four dollars, Pierre.”
“I will tell thee now, Lucy—but first, how long does it take to complete one portrait?”
“Two sittings; and two mornings’ work by myself, Pierre.”
“And let me see; what are thy materials? They are not very costly, I believe. ’Tis not like cutting glass,—thy tools must not be pointed with diamonds, Lucy?”