"Gee! That's a lot of money!"
Hugo nodded and kissed her. He was very happy. Happier, in a certain way, than he had ever been or ever would be again. His livelihood was assured. He was going to live with a woman, to have one always near to love and to share his life. It was that concept of companionship, above all other things, which made him glad.
Two days later, as Hugo worked to prepare the vehicles of his exhibition, he heard an altercation outside the tent that had been erected for him. A voice said: "Whatcha tryin' to do there, anyhow?"
"Why, I was making this strong man as I saw him. A man with the expression of strength in his face."
"But you gotta bat' robe on him. What we want is muscles. Muscles, bo. Bigger an' better than any picture of any strong man ever made. Put one here—an' one there—"
"But that isn't correct anatomy."
"To hell wit' that stuff. Put one there, I says."
"But he'll be out of drawing, awkward, absurd."
"Say, listen, do you want ten bucks for painting this sign or shall I give it to some one else?"
"Very well. I'll do as you say. Only—it isn't right."