"We mustn't complain of that, Dean," said his companion. "It isn't as much, to be sure, as we made at Granville."

"But it seems to me ridiculously large for the little I did, Mr. Montgomery."

"You are modest, Dean. That is not artistic. You must set a proper value on your talent."

"I think I do," said Dean, smiling. "I feel very much like a humbug, Mr. Montgomery. A young lady came up to me last evening and asked me if I had played before any of the crowned heads of Europe, and if I were personally acquainted with Queen Victoria."

"I hope you told her you were."

"No, Mr. Montgomery, I shouldn't be willing to tell such a falsehood."

"All business, my dear boy, all business! We must blow our own trumpets if we want to be appreciated. By the way, what did you tell her?"

"That I had not yet played before the queen, but should I go to England, and could arrange to do so, I would."

"Very good! You kept up appearances. What did she say?"