When I add to these fragments of evidence that he and I have never met (luckily for me, you will say) since I jockeyed him out of his banknote, I have about fulfilled my implied contract as maker of a statement with you, sir, as hearer of a statement.

Observe the expression, will you?
I said it was a Statement before I began; and I say it's a Statement now I've done.

I defy you to prove it's a Story! How are you getting on with my portrait?
I like you very well, Mr.Artist; but if you have been taking advantage of my talking to shirk your work, as sure as you're alive I'll split upon you to the Town Council! I attended a great many times at my queer sitter's house before his likeness was completed.

To the last he was dissatisfied with the progress I made.

Fortunately for me, the Town Council approved of the portrait when it was done.