The failure made Rayel unhappy, and tears came to his eyes when the "Woman" was referred to, as if he were mourning the loss of a dear friend.
Our patron had conceived a great liking for us, and we were soon invited to visit his house "and meet a few of his friends at dinner." It would give us an opportunity to see the "Woman"-- perhaps to buy her back again--and we were strongly inclined to take advantage of it.

Our patron's residence was one of the largest and most elegant on Fifth Avenue.

It was a matter of common fame that his entertainments were the cause of more envy and heartburning in the fashionable sisterhood than any other events of the season.

I had some doubt about the propriety of taking Rayel to such a place, unaccustomed as he was to the refinements and conventionalities of fashionable life.

However, he had set his heart upon going--he was so eager to see his beloved picture--and I did not oppose his wish.