ter shock to
you, Uncle Richard. You had both come to the point where you could have
done so much with life. But you are quite well, Uncle Richard?

UNCLE RICHARD

I am never unwell. I don't believe in it. Yes, everything was ready here.
In its larger issue, my life has not been unsuccessful.... But your
business, Richard, it came out well, I hope?

RICHARD

Quite. You see after graduating I borrowed a certain sum to go abroad with
a classmate. We had a plan for doing a book on modern Italy, he writing
the text and I making illustrations. We had quite a new idea about it all.
It was good fun besides. Well, the work has been placed, and now after
repaying the loan I have enough to take a studio and begin painting in
earnest.

UNCLE RICHARD

Hum.

RICHARD

I believe I have a copy of one of the sketches with me. (_He tears a sheet
from a note book and hands it to Uncle Richard._)

UNCLE RICHARD (_looking at it wrong side up_)

A sketch. I see. Of course it is unfinished?

RICHARD

Yes. But then, no painting should be what you call "finished." A work of
art can only be finished by the mental effort of appreciation on the part
of the spectator. Photographs and chromos are _finished_--that's why they
are dead.

UNCLE RICHARD

I was not aware of the fact. But ... you will remember, Richard, that in
my letter I asked you to visit me?

RICHARD

Of course. And I shall be very pleased to stay for a few days. Very kind
of you to ask me.

UNCLE RICHARD

Not at all, Richard, not at all! I--

RICHARD

On Monday I must return to New York and look for a studio. With the book
coming out I feel I shall have no trouble selling my work.

UNCLE RICHARD

Studio? Isn't that--hem! rather _Bohemian_, Richard?

RICHARD

Good gracious, uncle, you haven't been reading George Moore, have you?

UNCLE RICHARD

But Richard, did you not understand that I wanted you to stay here longer
than that?

RICHARD

Why no. How long did you mean?

UNCLE RICHARD

Er--I hadn't thought, exactly. I mean that I wanted you to bring your
things here--bring your things here and just live on with me.

RICHARD

I had no idea you meant _that_. Anyhow, as I couldn't paint here, it's
impossible. But, of course, if you care to have me stay a few days
longer--

UNCLE RICHARD

But I have everything arranged for you here. Your room--everything.

RICHARD

But you see, uncle, my work--

UNCLE RICHARD

I hope you will give up