Page:Elizabeth's Pretenders.djvu/254

Rh "Certainly. But—the price? What are you prepared to give?"

"Whatever he asks, plus your commission. I shall not, however, be able to pay the whole sum down. I propose to do so by instalments. I could give you a thousand francs as soon as the picture is in your hands, and another thousand at Christmas; and I shall leave the picture in your hands until the whole amount is paid. Does that suit you, Mr. Jacob?"

"What reference can you give me?"

She named her banker.

"He will tell you I have a tolerable balance in his hands; and he will give you my address, if you wish to write to me when I leave Paris, which will probably be in less than a fortnight. In the mean time, this is my name and present address," and she laid her card on the table. "I shall be absent some months. It will therefore be a convenience to me, as well as a security to you, if you will keep the picture until such time as I can claim it."

The dealer promised to do so. It was, indeed, seldom that he had business of so simple a character to transact. He said he would visit Mr. Baring's atelier to-morrow, whether he received his letter or not; and communicate with mademoiselle as soon as the purchase was effected.

Elizabeth bowed her head, and turned to the door, which the dealer held open for her. As she passed through the outer shop, Monsieur Melchior was leaning against an easel, with the big cigar which he had just taken from his red lips held between his middle and fore lingers, in an easy attitude, displaying his slim