“Can I do any thing for you to-day, Alfred?”
So plain an invitation to make known his wishes could hardly be disregarded. The young man hesitated a little, and then replied as if half jesting —
“Yes—give me an order for two hundred dollars worth of pictures, and pay me in advance for them.”
“Are you in earnest?” inquired the man, looking curious.
“Certainly. Painting is my profession.”
“I know. But do you really want a couple of hundred dollars?”
“Yes; I really want that sum. A young artist, you know, is never overstocked with cash.”
“I will lend you the amount with pleasure, Alfred. But I am in no want of pictures. For how long a time do you wish to have it?”
“For a couple of months, if you wont give me an order.”
The man drew a check and gave it to Ellison.