"I will certainly do so."
"You will not be afraid to leave your little girl alone?"
"She can stay with a neighbor."
"Then I will expect you."
Paul wrote down his address, and took his leave, with the pictures under his arm.
He had thought of a customer. He knew that Mr. Preston was not only rich, but kindhearted and charitable. Even if he did not want the pictures, he thought he would be willing to give a small sum for them; and even a little would be of great service to the poverty-stricken artist.
He therefore made his way to Mr. Preston's counting-room, and was admitted to his presence.
"Are you busy, Mr. Preston?" asked our hero.
"Not particularly. I can spare you a few minutes."
He looked inquiringly at the parcel Paul carried under his arm.