No one had ever thought Pettingill deficient in ideas, and this was his opportunity.
The only drawback was the time limit which Brewster so remorselessly fixed.

Without that he felt that he could have done something splendid in the way of decorative panels--something that would make even the glory of Puvis de Chavannes turn pallid.

With it he was obliged to curb his turbulent ideas, and he decided that a rich simplicity was the proper note.

The result was gorgeous, but not too gorgeous,--it had depth and distinction.
Elated and eager, he assisted Brewster in selecting furniture and hangings for each room, but he did not know that his employer was making conditional purchases of everything.

Mr.Brewster had agreements with all the dealers to the effect that they were to buy everything back at a fair price, if he desired to give up his establishment within a year.