the many heavy-framed "oil
paintings" that hung on the walls, for fear some discussion of them
might thence arise, was now incautious enough to fix his gaze markedly
on some sheep pasturing just opposite him. But Mr. Robinson seemed to
welcome the opportunity thus afforded.

"Oh, of course I know you won't find any of _those_ things worth
glancing at," he threw out with a laugh; and the others chimed in,
highly amused at the thought of the impression "the things" must be
making on their guest.

"Oh, some aren't at all half bad," conceded Wyndham politely, his eye
now promenading freely. "The girl with the mandoline is laid in with
rather a charming touch, and the fruit-and-flower piece is really
decorative."

"We always considered those two the best," declared Mr. Robinson. "I
bought them at an auction in the City, many years ago now--more, in
fact, than I care to remember."

Wyndham still affected to be examining the collection.

"Now, of course," resumed Mr. Robinson, "that Highland scene is the
merest pot-boiler--a stream in the middle, a mountain on one side, and a
cow on the other. I've seen hundreds of them for sale. But it's not
likely I shall ever be taken in again that way, especially after
examining the work I saw at your studio, Mr. Wyndham."

Wyndham inclined his head smilingly, and Mr. Robinson duly proceeded to
describe to the others the great masterpiece which that afternoon he had
had the privilege of inspecting. His memory of the details proved to be
extraordinarily minute, and his face glowed all over again with the
wonder and enthusiasm he had displayed at the studio. "The figures, the
faces," he wound up, "were simply marvellous. I can't give you the
faintest idea of how magnificent it all is. I could spend hours looking
at it."

Wyndham could do no less than suggest that the ladies should come and
see the picture for themselves, though just then a whiff of unpleasant
thoughts urged on him again the imprudence of such further social
developments.

"We shall be only too delighted; it will be a great pleasure," exclaimed
Mrs. Robinson, and Miss Robinson's eyes shone with unmistakable
excitement.

"We must really take down that Highland scene, my dear," proceeded Mrs.
Robinson, addressing her husband. "It is altogether too bad. We ought
to have something better in its place."

It passed through Wyndham's mind that one of his projected panels would
do excellently, but of course it was far