"I fear," interrupted Cornelius, looking uneasy, "I was rather rude then."
"You were not always civil. You once called me a little monkey. Another time—"
"Pray don't!" he hastily observed, looking annoyed and disconcerted.
"Tell me rather what I am to give you. Are there not shops at Ryde?"
"As if I should fancy anything out of a shop."
"And what is there that does not come out of a shop?"
"What a question for an artist!"
"Have I anything you would really fancy?" eagerly inquired Cornelius.
"Would you give me your picture, if I were to ask you for it?"
"Would you ask me for it?"
"No, for I want you to sell it."