SOPHY.--"The Calf with Two Heads?"

VANCE.--"Do you regret it?"

SOPHY.--"Oh, dear, no."

Waife, who after a profound bow, and a cheery "Good day, gentlemen,"
had hitherto remained silent, putting away the dominoes, now said,
"I suppose, sir, you would like at once to begin your sketch?"

VANCE.--"Yes; I have brought all my tools; see, even the canvas. I wish
it were larger, but it is all I have with me of that material: 't is
already stretched; just let me arrange the light."

WAIFE.--"If you don't want me, gentlemen, I will take the air for half-
an-hour or so. In fact, I may now feel free to look after my
investment."

SOPHY (whispering Lionel).--"You are sure the Calf has gone as well as
the Norfolk Giant?"

Lionel wonderingly replied that he thought so; and Waife disappeared into
his room, whence he soon emerged, having doffed his dressing-gown for a
black coat, by no means threadbare, and well brushed. Hat, stick, and
gloves in hand, he really seemed respectable,--more than respectable,--
Gentleman Waife every inch of him; and saying, "Look your best, Sophy,
and sit still, if you can," nodded pleasantly to the three, and hobbled
down the stairs. Sophy--whom Vance had just settled into a chair, with
her head bent partially down (three-quarters), as the artist had released