Next Christmas, if I live, I'll send you what you shall not be ashamed of, or she either, and do you club your money and put it into a handsome gold frame." "But, sir," said Willis, "this will give you a sight of trouble, and all for our fancy." "I like it, and I like you! You're fine fellows, who know a noble creature when God sends her to you; and I should be ashamed to ask a farthing of your money.

There, no more words!" "Well, you are a gentleman, sir!" said Gentleman Jan.
"And so are you," said Claude.

"Now I'll show you some more sketches." "I should like to know, sir," asked Willis, "how you got at that likeness.

She would not hear of the thing, and that's why I had no liking to come troubling you about nothing." Claude told them, and Jan laughed heartily, while Willis said,-- "Do you know, sir, that's a relief to my mind.

There is no sin in being drawn, of course; but I didn't like to think my maid had changed her mind, when once she'd made it up." So the deputation retired in high glee, after Willis had entreated Claude and Beer to keep the thing a secret from Grace.
It befell that Claude, knowing no reason why he should not tell Frank Headley, told him the whole story, as a proof of the chivalry of his parishioners, in which he would take delight.
Frank smiled, but said little; his opinion of Grace was altering fast.