I obeyed and looked at him, as he continued the task on which he had for the last week been engaged—copying a little Dutch painting for a picture-dealer. After awhile I said—
"When you are a great artist you won't copy pictures, will you,
Cornelius?"
"Did I not tell you to let me work?"
"I shall speak no more."
But to make up for speaking, I got up on the table and attempted to take down some of the portfolios from the shelf. He heard me, turned round, and uttered an imperative—
"Come down!"
As I obeyed with regret, I exclaimed—
"Oh! if you only would, Cornelius!"
"Would what?"
"Let me have the portfolios, look at the drawings, and arrange them,—I am sure they are in a great mess. By beginning to-day I might have them all sorted before the end of the week. May I have one to begin with?"