CHAPTER XXXVI
Literary sitters—George R. Sims’s impromptu—His ordeal in the Chamber of Horrors—George Augustus Sala’s masterpiece.
Mr. G. R. Sims was a cheery, entertaining sitter; not, perhaps, what most artists would consider a helpful one. His active mind busied itself with every object of interest around him. He would know all about them, and tell each off with some droll quip or whimsical jest.
I have spent many a bright hour with “Dagonet”—yes, even including those spent with him in the Chamber of Horrors.
I once chanced to have a book of his (the Dagonet Ballads) in my hand when he came into my studio, and I asked him to sign his name in it. Without a moment’s hesitation he wrote:
Dear Tussaud,
I’m a model man.
You’re a modeller.
Yours truly,