“Why not, Lord Cheriton?”
“It is an unauthorized portrait of my ward, Miss Perry, who at present is in statu pupillari.”
“Ye-es,” said Jim, dubiously, “I suppose it is. All the same, it is rather rough on a chap. I have put a lot of work into that picture.”
“I can see you have, Lascelles.”
“And of course,” said Jim, injudiciously, “I should like to put a lot more work into it. It is such a fine subject.”
“The subject is much too fine, Lascelles, if I may venture an opinion. My advice to you is, burn the canvas and forget that it ever existed.”
No pity was taken on Jim’s blank consternation.
“Burn it!” cried Jim, aghast.
“I am afraid if you don’t, my dear Lascelles, Lady Crewkerne will.”
“But she has no right——” said Jim, fiercely.