Page:The Aspern Papers.djvu/108

 dull mahogany front when I reflected that a simple panel divided me from the goal of my hopes; but I remembered my prudence and with an effort took leave of Miss Bordereau. To make the effort graceful I said to her that I should certainly bring her an opinion about the little picture.

'The little picture?' Miss Tita asked, surprised.

'What do you know about it, my dear?' the old woman demanded. 'You needn't mind. I have fixed my price.'

'And what may that be?'

'A thousand pounds.'

'Oh Lord!' cried poor Miss Tita, irrepressibly.

'Is that what she talks to you about?' said Miss Bordereau.

'Imagine your aunt's wanting to know!' I had to separate from Miss Tita with only those words, though I should have liked immensely to add, 'For heaven's sake meet me to-night in the garden!'