Page:The Van Roon (IA thevanroon00snaiiala).pdf/97

 Trouble came unmistakably into the expressive face of the picture's late owner.

"I am afraid it will be quite a blow to him if he doesn't get this beautiful thing," he said, gazing affectionately at what he held in his hand.

"And yet he thinks so little of it?"

"Oh no! Not now. This morning after a careful examination he's changed his mind."

June was not impressed by this face-about on the part of S. Gedge Antiques. "If you ask me," she declared scornfully, "he changed his mind some time ago. But he's a bit too artful to let you know that."

"But why?" said William perplexedly.

"Don't you see that he thinks the more he cheapens it the easier it will be to get it from you?"

William could not bring himself to take so harsh a view.

"What does he offer for it now?" the new owner of the Van Roon sternly inquired.

"You are not fair to the dear old master, believe me, Miss June." The young man spoke with charming earnestness. "He has such a reverence for beauty that he cannot reckon it in terms of money. This morning I have brought him to see with my eyes." Pride and affection deepened in the voice of the simpleton. "He has now such a regard for this lovely thing that he will not be happy until he possesses it, and I shall not be happy until you have given it to him."

June was simply aghast.

"But—but it was given to me!"

"I know—I know." The giver was pink with confusion. "But you see, Miss June, your uncle has quite set his heart on it. And I am wondering if you will