"Not at all bad, Mr. Whistler; not at all bad. Only here in this
corner," he added, reflectively, with a motion as if to rub out a
cloud effect, "if I were you I'd do away with that cloud!"

"Gad, sir!" cried the painter. "Do be careful there! Don't you see the
paint is not yet dry?"

"Oh, don't mind that," said Mark, sweetly. "I am wearing gloves, you
see!"

They got on after that.

* * * * *

In Paris, Whistler and an English painter got into a turbulent talk
over Velasquez at a studio tea. In the course of the argument Whistler
praised himself extravagantly.

"It's a good thing we can't see ourselves as others see us," sneered
the Briton.

"Isn't it, though?" rejoined Whistler, gently. "I know in my case I
should grow intolerably conceited."

* * * * *

Financial necessities once caused the sale of Whistler's choice
furnishings. Some of the family, returning to the house during his
absence, found the floor covered with chalk diagrams, the largest of
which was labeled: "This is the dining-table."