full of laughter.

Then her father bent down over the boy, and said, "I paint a great deal,
Raymond."

"Oh, I am so glad!" said Raymond eagerly. "Then you will not think it
wrong of me to want to be an artist."

"So far from thinking it wrong, Raymond, I am going to help you in it. I
am going to get you taught."

A bright flush came over Raymond's face as he looked up for an
explanation.

"Who will teach me, sir?"

"Mr. Herbert Smith."

Raymond started up. "Do you know him, sir? Do you know Mr. Smith, the
greatest artist that is living? Is he a relation of yours?"

"Raymond, I am Herbert Smith," said his friend kindly.

A look of wondering doubt passed over the boy's face, which quickly
changed to one of intense veneration, almost of reverence, at feeling
himself in the presence of this master mind. Then, as the thought of all
his friend's former kindness came over him, and of this great privilege
before him, he covered his face with his hands; and the tears, which he
vainly tried to conceal, fell through his thin fingers.

[Illustration: THE SURPRISE.]

Madge bent down over him. "Raymond, dear Raymond, look up. Do not be sad
now, it is all joy."

"I am so glad, I cannot help it, Madge," said Raymond. "All my
brightest dreams coming true. I shall be an artist yet."

Mr. Smith turned away his head, his heart deeply moved by the boy's
delight; but Lilian could not restrain her gladness.

"And did you not know that papa was the great Herbert Smith?" she asked.
"What fun! Did you know, Madge?"

"Yes," said Madge, looking shyly into Raymond's face.

"O Madge, how _could_ you let me go on talking to Mr. Smith about my
poor little paintings without telling me."

"He told me not to tell you," she said.

"Yes," said Mr. Smith; "I wanted, Raymond, to watch you for a little
while, before you knew who I was. I wanted to see if your whole heart
was really devoted to painting, and that you were likely to rise in your
profession, before I offered you assistance. I am satisfied; and now
shake hands: if you are willing to endure a life of labour, I think I
can promise you success."

"I am willing for anything," said Raymond. And to Madge he whispered,
"You shall glory in me some day, little sister."

[Illustration]

CHAPTER VII.

THE SUCCESS.

And the day came, after years of patient labour.

The morning sun shone in brightly upon a room, in one of those pleasant
villas which abound in the subur