"I think not. I think Dr. Sutherland has as good taste as any one. He would know that that would vex me very much."
"Oh, well," says he, with a sort of carelessness, "every one to his liking. If he cares to accept so valuable a present, good and well."
"You don't suppose he asked me for it?" she says, rather warmly. "I gave it him. He would have been rude to have refused it. I was very much pleased that he cared for the picture."
"Oh, he is a judge of art, also? I am told he knows everything."
"He was kind enough to say he liked the sketch; that was enough for me."
"He is very lucky; that is all I have to say."
"I dare say he has forgotten all about such a trifle. He has more important things to think about."
"Well," said he, with a good-natured laugh, "I should not consider such a picture a trifle if any one presented it to me. But it is always the people who get everything they want who value things least."
"Do you think Dr. Sutherland such a fortunate person?" says she. "Well, he is fortunate in having great abilities; and he is fortunate in having chosen a profession that has already secured him great honour, and that promises a splendid future to him. But that is the result of hard work; and he has to work hard now. I don't think most men would like to change places with him just at present."
"He has one good friend and champion, at all events," he says, with a pleasant smile.