Visits of ceremony were exchanged at long intervals; but even these were discontinued on Madonna's arrival under Valentine's roof: Mr.Thorpe being one of the first of the charitable friends of the family who suspected her to be the painter's natural child.

An almost complete separation accordingly ensued for some years, until Zack grew up to boy's estate, and was taken to see Valentine, one day in holiday time, by his grandfather.

He and the painter became friends directly.

Mr.Blyth liked boys, and boys of all degrees liked him.

From this time, Zack frequented Valentine's house at every opportunity, and never neglected his artist-friend in after years.