“I hope you find them agreeable.”
“I might, sir, but that the bookkeeper seems to have taken a dislike to me.”
“I suspect that you would like better to devote yourself to art work.”
“I think I should, sir, but Mr. Conrad thinks it better that I should only devote my leisure to drawing.”
“No doubt his advice is wise, for the present, at least. Now, suppose we come to business. I believe I told you I am writing a book on ethnology.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I find a good deal of help in rare volumes which I consult at the Astor Library. These I cannot borrow, but I have the use of anything I find suited to my needs in the library of Columbia College. Then I import a good many books. I shall spare no pains to make my own work valuable and comprehensive. Of course, I shall feel at liberty to copy and use any illustrations I find in foreign publications. It is here that you can help me.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Here, for instance,” and the professor opened a French book, “are some sketches illustrating the dress and appearance of the natives of Madagascar. Do you think you can copy them?”
“I have no doubt of it, sir,” he answered.