“Certainly. In marble?”
“In marble, of course. How much will it cost?”
It was a painful experience to Eugenia, to hear her future husband talked to by Mrs. Cathcart much as that lady talked to the obliging young men and women at the various emporiums which enjoyed her patronage.
“Mr. Herbert was my best friend,” said Gerald. “My services are at your disposal.”
“You do not understand me,” said Mrs. Cathcart, coldly. “I asked you what it would cost.”
Gerald colored and glanced at Eugenia. He was utterly puzzled. It could only have been through the agency of the girl he loved that this new patroness sought him.
“Mr. Leigh was my father’s friend, aunt,” said Eugenia.
“My dear! Mr. Leigh is not my friend. I want to know his terms for a marble bust.”
“Eighty pounds, madam,” said Gerald, rather shortly.