He had learned from an art dealer that we had some remarkable old paintings, and humbly begged the privilege of looking at them.

We made him welcome, of course, but I explained to him that the collection was wholly the work of my cousin, who was not yet old himself.

In answer to his questions I assured him that the paintings would not be exhibited in the National Academy, and that my cousin's work had never appeared in any art exhibition whatever, at which he seemed greatly surprised.

Rayel was still shy of strangers, and, as he was evidently a little annoyed at the presence of our visitor, I shielded him from the need of taking any part in our conversation.
The next morning an article appeared in one of the leading dailies, which subjected us to a glare of publicity not at all to our taste.
It went on to say that Signor Lanion, a young Spanish artist, had just arrived in New York and had taken apartments at No.

Fifth Avenue.