Then, scanning our artist's countenance, she observed:
"You appear to have a bad cold, sir."
"I am afraid I have, Dame Hearty," said McGuilp; "the weather has been very uncertain, and I think I must have committed some imprudence."
"Let me make you a basin of gruel, sir. No? It's a capital thing, and you should keep out of all draughts, and——"
"And keep my bed, perhaps you'll tell me, my good woman," interrupted McGuilp. "No, no; I've no time to coddle. Do you know, Dame Hearty, I must be off to-morrow to London by the stage, as I have to return to Rome without further delay. Already I am long after my time."
"So soon! Why, you have paid us a short visit," exclaimed the hostess. "Well, sir, you knows best. All I can say is that my husband and I will be most glad to see you again, when next you be passing this way."
A knock at the door, and our host entered to ask if he might be allowed to see the copy.
"Certainly, my good host, here it is," said McGuilp.
Jack Hearty went into ecstacies over it, saying he didn't know which he liked best.
"Mr. McGuilp says he is off again to-morrow, Jack," began our hostess.