"Yes, yes; you don't seem very delighted about it."
"Well," said Lacroix, "the fact is that I shall miss it. It has been part of my life for the last four years. Oh! yes, I shall miss it."
"But, my dear Lacroix, do be practical. Just think of the price you will get. Think, too, of the éclat. What a queer unworldly sort of creature you are. Any other man would be fairly beside himself with joy at such success as yours."
"Yes," replied Lacroix, wearily; "of course I know it is a great thing for me. I appreciate it, indeed I do."
"You do not show your appreciation very enthusiastically," said the president, as he moved off to speak to some other guests who were just coming into the gallery.
Next day, early in the afternoon, Lacroix started for his long walk up Highgate Hill, with M. Bois-le-Duc's letter safely in his pocket this time. He was a good walker and used to outdoor exercise, and enjoyed the prospect of the long tramp this bright summer day.
He did not hurry himself, for there was plenty of time before five o'clock, and he stopped every few moments to examine some wayside plant, and to listen with the ardor of a true lover of nature to the merry voices of the thrush and blackbird singing a gladsome carol.
And he was often tempted by the fascinating beauty of the quiet landscape, as he left the grimy smoke of London far behind him and ascended into the pure fresh country, to take out his sketch-book and dot down dainty little glimpses, thus laying up a store for future work.
But at length he reached number 17, The Grove, and the door was opened by the trim little maid-servant, who replied, in answer to his inquiry—
"Yes, sir, Mademoiselle Laurentia is at home. Please walk up this way."