Jim expressed himself gratified at the prospect of receiving it.
“It is this,” said Cheriton, slowly. “You must get into the habit of charging more for your pictures.”
“I hope I shall be able to,” said Jim. “But times are hard, and it is uphill work for a man without a reputation.”
“I appreciate that. But I heard you spoken of as the coming man the other night, and I see no reason why you shouldn’t confirm the prediction.”
“If only I had a little more talent,” said Jim.
“If only you had a little more faith in it, Lascelles. It is the faith that is so necessary, as every artist tells us.”
“I suppose so. Yet all the same, I wish the fairies had been a little kinder.”
“I am of opinion that they have been sufficiently kind to the man who could pose that head and put that hair upon canvas. But what I wanted particularly to say to you is this. My friend Kendal intends to ask you to paint a portrait of his daughter Priscilla.”
Jim Lascelles was thrilled by this announcement.
“That is awfully good of him,” said he, “and awfully good of you, Lord Cheriton.”