“Oh! perhaps you will; at all events, what does it matter? It will amuse us, and occupy the time. When shall we begin?”
“Whenever you choose.”
“Right away then; we will have a sitting in my uncle’s room; but I must have my hair dressed first, I suppose?”
“No, I prefer to paint you as you are, and not in a ball dress; do not make any preparations at all.”
“As you choose.”
“I will go for my box of colors.”
“And I will go to tell my uncle. Oh! it is awfully good of you.”
On going to my room, I found Pettermann humming a tune as he brushed my clothes, which he was always careful to look over to see if there were any buttons missing, or any holes in the pockets; and he always repaired the damage.
“Is monsieur going to paint?”
“Yes, Pettermann; and I fancy that we shall stay here a few days longer. You are not bored here, I hope?”