"
"Well, I don't suppose I should in your _place_," returned
Berry. "It's human nature. It's all right. What did the ladies think
of the 'Roman Youth' the other night? The distinguished artists
weren't sure exactly, and I thought I could make capital with one of
'em if I could find out. Yes, that's my little game, Barker; that's
what I dropped in for; Bismarck style of diplomacy. I'll tell you
why they want to know, if you won't give me away: Miss Swan wanted
to give her 'bit of colour'--that's what she calls it--to one of the
young ladies; but she's afraid she didn't like it."
"I guess they liked it well enough," said Lemuel, thinking with
shame that Statira had not had the grace to say a word of either of
the pictures; he attributed this to 'Manda Grier's influence.
"Well that's good, so far as it goes," said Berry. "But now, to come
down to particulars, what did they _say_? That's what Miss Swan
will ask _me_."
"I don't remember just what they said," faltered Lemuel.
"Well, they must have said something," insisted Berry jocosely.
"Give a fellow some little clue, and I can piece it out for myself.
What did _she_ say? I don't ask which she _was_? but I have my suspicions.
All I want to know is what she _said_. Anything like beautiful middle
distance, or splendid chiaroscuro, or fine perspective, or exquisite
modelling? Come now! Try to think, Barker.
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