CHAPTER IV.
I GAVE my orders to the colorman, and settled matters with my friend the artist that day.
The next morning, before the hour at which I expected my sitter, having just now as much interest in the life of Lady Malkinshaw as Mr.
Batterbury had in her death, I went to make kind inquiries after her ladyship's health.

The answer was most reassuring.

Lady Malkinshaw had no present intention of permitting me to survive her.

She was, at that very moment, meritoriously and heartily engaged in eating her breakfast.
My prospects being now of the best possible kind, I felt encouraged to write once more to my father, telling him of my fresh start in life, and proposing a renewal of our acquaintance.

I regret to say that he was so rude as not to answer my letter.
Mr.Batterbury was punctual to the moment.