Part 22
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
Well, not to put too fine a point upon it, it's for my wife.
ROBERT ADDISON.
I warned you not to marry. Now you see how right I was--she wants two thick 'uns.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
I know it's rough on you.
ROBERT ADDISON.
It is. I'm a sociable chap by nature, and I'm rapidly being left without a friend to bless myself with.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
I don't grasp!
ROBERT ADDISON.
They all borrow my money, and then they say they're out the next time I call.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
I have got a big thing on, only temporarily I'm in a hole.
ROBERT ADDISON.
I never knew a fellow in a hole who hadn't a big thing on. What is it?
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
The hole?
ROBERT ADDISON.
No, the big thing--the stable tip?
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
It's nothing to do with the turf. Look here, Schercl--you know Schercl?
ROBERT ADDISON.
I know him.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
He gave me a commission for a picture six weeks ago; he's going to pay three hundred for it. He advanced a century when I accepted the offer.
ROBERT ADDISON.
They are wonderful terms, Tempenny, for _you_.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
Seems rather funny, doesn't it,--but it's a fact. "n.o.body more astonished than the striker," I confess.
ROBERT ADDIS ON.
Well, where's the picture?
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
(_Turning round the big blank canvas_). There!
ROBERT ADDISON (_with a whistle_).
Oh my sainted mother! How does Schercl like it?
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
It's good work, isn't it? Fine colour and tone! How do the harmonies strike you--correct?
ROBERT ADDISON.
Unbosom, what does it mean?
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
Dear boy, it means it was a royal order, and that I've been on the royal loaf on the strength of it; and, now that I repent me, I haven't got a model.
ROBERT ADDISON.
No model?
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
The subject is to be Susannah--Susannah before the Elders. You know the kind of thing--(_whispers_).
ROBERT ADDISON.
Yes, of course, and I suppose--? (_whispers_).
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
Yes, and--(_touches his arms and chest, signifying a fine woman_--_whispers_).
