he brought
her daughters to see it when in course of completion the next day. He
had then asked whether there would be any objection to his making use of
the sketches in the way of remunerative sale. Mrs. Curtis looked rather
taken aback, it hardly agreed with her exclusive notions of privacy, and
he at once apologized with such humility that she was touched, and felt
herself doing him a wrong, whilst Rachel was angry at her scruple, yet
uncomfortably thought of "that landscape painter," then said in her
decided way, "you did not mean to object, mother?"

"Oh, not for a moment, pray don't think of it," returned Mr. Mauleverer,
in haste. "I would not think of the intrusion. It is only that these
poor trifles are steps to one of the few means by which I can still hope
to do even a little for my fellow creatures; the greatest solace that
remains to me."

"My mother did not mean to prevent anything," said Rachel eagerly;
"least of all any means of doing good."

"Indeed, I cannot but be aware that Miss Curtis is the last individual
who would do so, except indeed by the good works she herself absorbs."

"You are too good, sir," returned Mrs. Curtis; "I am sure I did not mean
to object to anything for good. If it is for a charity, I am sure some
of our friends would be very glad to take some sketches of our scenery;
they have been begging me this long time to have it photographed. I
should like to have that drawing myself, it would please your aunt so
much, my dear, if we sent it to her."

Mr. Mauleverer bowed, but Rachel was not sure whether he had not been
insulted.

Next day he left at the door the drawing handsomely mounted, and looking
so grand and meritorious that poor Mrs. Curtis became much troubled in
mind whether its proper price might not be five or even ten guineas,
instead of the one for which she had mentally bargained, or if this
might not be the beginning of a series; "which would be quite another
thing, you know, my dear."

Rachel offered to go and talk to the artist, who was sketching in full
view from the windows, and find out what value he set upon it.

"Perhaps, but I don't know, my dear. Won't it be odd? Had you not better
wait till Grace comes in, or till I can come down with you?"

"No need at all, mother, I can do it much better alone, and at my age--"

So Rachel took a parasol and stepped out, looked at the outline newly
produced, thanked and praised the drawing that had been received, addi