little ashamed of his furious onslaughts and interruptions, and therefore
the more graciously inclined toward the request of the young man.

So the old man said, with tolerable grace,

"Well, Sir, I am willing you should draw my house. Will you do it this
afternoon?"

"Really, Sir," replied Abel, "I had no intention of asking you to-day;
and as I strolled out merely for a walk, I did not bring my drawing
materials with me. But if you would allow me to come at any time, Sir,
I should be very deeply obliged. I am devoted to my art, Sir."

"Oh! you mean to be an artist?"

"Perhaps, Sir."

"Phit! phit! Don't do any such silly thing, Sir. An artist! Why how much
does an artist make in a year?"

"Well, Sir, the money I don't know about, but the fame!"

"Oh! the fame! The fiddle, Sir! You are capable of better things."

"For instance, Mr. Burt--"

"Trade, Sir, trade--trade. That is the way to fortune in this country.
Enterprise, activity, shrewdness, industry, that's what a young man
wants. Get rid of your fol-de-rol notions about art. Benjamin West was a
great man, Sir; but he was an exception, and besides he lived in England.