human
Am I permitted to talk?
gpt
As much as you please.
human
Oh, that's good! she said, drawing a breath of relief;
gpt
Ten, if you see fit.
human
Sir Joshua, why are you making me so deathly white? I look like a statue.
gpt
What will you say at the next sitting? I shall tint you all in Naples yellow.
human
Fie!--horrors! Why do you do that?
gpt
Ah, that is my little secret! My enemies pretend that I have scraped a Watteau, others say a Titian, in order to discover the successive layers of color and surprise the method of these masters. And why should I not? All means are justifiable so long as one succeeds in imitating life. Others pretend that I paint on wax. They may say what they please. Hudson, my master, painted exceedingly well on cheese.
human
On cheese! exclaimed Miss Woodville with a laugh;
gpt
Exactly so.
human
The time will hang heavily upon your hands, madam.
gpt
I have brought my work, and have no end of patience,
human
That may be; but the first sitting is always tedious. Moreover, I need to become intimately acquainted with my model, and since Miss Woodville does not play this evening, I count upon keeping your niece for supper, if you have no objection. I am to have a few friends here, for whom my sister will do the honors as hostess,--Mr. Burke, Dr. Johnson, my charming neighbor, Miss Burney.
gpt
The author of 'Evelina'! Oh, I long to meet her!
human
So you see, madam, you may spare yourself a tedious wait, and without fear leave Miss Woodville in my care. I shall make it my duty to see that she is returned to you properly escorted.
gpt
Go, aunt, or you will miss the reunion of 'The Favorites of Jesus Christ,' of whom you are the presiding officer,