"Paint!" Mrs. Keith exclaimed.

"Yes, but not common paint. We use the highest grade of lead and the
purest linseed oil. Varnish also of unapproachable quality, guaranteed
to stand exposure to any climate. There's nothing to equal our
products in North America."

"Do you seriously mean that you are going about selling these things?"

"I'm trying to. I booked an order for two kegs yesterday, but it isn't
to be paid for until arrival, when I shall not be here. Can't I induce
you to give us a trial? Your house must need painting now and then,
and we'll ship you the stuff to Liverpool in air-tight drums. Once you
have tried it you'll use nothing else."

Mrs. Keith laughed.

"Dick, you're a marvel! I'm glad adversity hasn't soured you; but you
know that you won't make enough to keep you in neckties at any business
you take up. It's ludicrous to think of your running about with paint
samples!"

"You seem to doubt my ability," Blake said humorously. "Here comes my
American partner. He has been waiting for a word with me since this
morning."

"And you kept him waiting? That was a true Blake. But bring him here.
I want to know your friend."