"I have hopes of it: why do you ask, child?"
"Because by putting all your money together, you will be able to begin it."
"Begin what?"
"The picture."
"But, child, there is no picture," he answered impatiently.
I looked at him with astonishment that seemed to embarrass him. I knew from Kate that the Happy Time had been received with perfect indifference by the public and critics, and that, under such circumstances, Cornelius should neither be painting a picture nor yet contemplating one, seemed incredible. What ailed his mind, once so full of projects? What had become of our gallery? I could not understand it. For some hours I sat watching him at his copy, until at length he put it by, saying—
"Thank heaven, it is finished!"
"Are you going to begin another?" I inquired.
"Not to-day; I hope to get some work to-morrow though."
"You hope? do you like it, Cornelius?"