human
Come down, Critchett--come down. We've sold 'Cicero and 'Eber.'
gpt
Well, it don't matter--and I said 'Cicero in Jail.' They've gone for five pounds. The governor he always said I could take whatever was offered, and keep it for myself. Five pounds in my pocket! Your last Teniers--that old bagpipe-party--I tried him, but it was no go. But I've sold the only one left of your Groozes, and you had better make a few more, out of hand. Look here, Critchett: it isn't right to drink in hours, and the guv'nor out and all; but this is an occasion. This ain't a common day, because I've sold the Cicero. I won't ask you to torse, nor yet to pay; but I says, 'Critchett, come across the way, my boy, and put your lips to what you like best.' Lord, Lord! on'y give me an American, and give him to me green! Never mind your hat, Critchett. 'It's limp in the brim and it's gone in the rim,' as the poet says; and you look more respectable without it, Critchett.
human
That's a good beginning, Beck observed, after luncheon. They were in Jack Dunquerque's club, in the smoking room.
gpt
That's a first-rate beginning. How many pictures go to a gallery?
human
It depends on the size of it. About five hundred for a moderate sized one.
gpt
Never mind. The Ile pays for all. A Patron of Art. Yes, sir, that seems the right end of the stick for a rich man to keep up. But I've been thinking it over. It isn't enough to go to shops and buy pictures. We must go in for sculpting too, and a Patron ought to get hold of a struggling artist, and lend him a helping hand; he should advance unknown talent. That's my idea.
human
I think I can help you there, said Jack, his eyes twinkling.
gpt
I know just such a man; an artist unknown, without friends, with slender means, of great genius, who has long languished in obscurity.
human
Bring him to me, Mr. Dunquerque. Bring that young man to me. Let me be the means of pushing the young gentleman. Holy thunder! What is money if it isn't used. Tell me his name.
gpt
I think I ought to have spoken to him first, said Jack, in some confusion, and a little taken aback by Mr. Beck's determination.
human
But, however, you can only try. His name is Humphrey Jagenal. I will, if you please, go and see him to-day. And I will ask him to call upon you to-morrow morning.
gpt
I would rather call upon _him_, said Mr. Beck.
human
It might look like the pride of patronage asking him to call at the Langham. I don't want him to start with a feeling of shame.
gpt
Not at all; at least, of course, it will be patronage, and I believe he will prefer it. There is no shame in taking a commission to execute a picture.
human
Mr. Dunquerque, every day you confer fresh obligations upon me. And I can do nothing for you--nothing at all.