“That is quite true.”
“Well, then?”
“Two must speak to make a bargain. Is it not so?” He spoke to Sir Seymour.
“I presume so,” said the latter, very solemnly.
He had realized that this odd scene had been brought about deliberately, and perhaps by both of the men who stood before him. Garstin had certainly started it, but Arabian had surely with purpose, taken the cue from Garstin.
“Ah! You hear!”
“I do!” said Garstin, composedly.
“Well, Dick Garstin, I did not say I would permit my picture to be exhibited by you. And that was on purpose. I intended to wait until I saw how you would make me appear. I have waited. There I am!” He pointed to the portrait. “It is fine, perhaps, as you say. But I do not choose that people should see that and be told, ‘That is Nicolas Arabian.’ I do not give you permission to show that portrait.”
“You don’t like it?”
“You have made of me a beast. That is what I say.”