"I would not permit any one to make an engraving. The engraver would but misrepresent my art. What engraving can ever realise the beauty, the finish, the colouring of an original oil painting?"
"I prefer engravings to oils," said I.
"Probably; but then you're not a judge of art, you see," replied Angelo coolly.
"I suppose your success has brought you many orders for pictures?" said my uncle, interposing quickly in the interests of harmony.
"Very many. An English baronet has employed me to paint him a picture on any subject I choose, paying me half the price in advance."
"And what subject have you chosen?" asked Daphne.
"'Modesta, the Christian Martyr,' is the title of my new work, but I am delayed somewhat by the want of a suitable model."
"'Fall of Cæsar,' 'Christian Martyr,'" murmured my uncle. "You seem fond of death-scenes."
"Yes, I have discovered wherein my talent lies. My pencil is better adapted to illustrate repose than motion. Hitherto I have attempted to portray action, and failed. Now, still-life is my study."
"Well, I hope your next picture will become as famous as the last," said Daphne, "and that you will let us have a glimpse of it before parting with it."