The artist bowed.
"I am told you paint portraits."
Another bow.
"I will give you a commission, if you have the time to execute it."
"I have something too much of that," said Vernon, smiling faintly. "I will gladly accept your commission."
"If you have other work requiring your present attention, I am not in haste."
"I have just agreed to paint the portrait of a Miss Framley——"
"Whom I met on the stairs?"
"Probably; she just went out."
"Then I will wait till you have executed her commission. Meanwhile allow me to pay you one-half in advance."