REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
Seems rather funny, doesn't it,--but it's a fact. "Nobody 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_).
ROBERT ADDISON.
Exactly. I think I can recommend the very model you want.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
You? Where did you meet her--on a racecourse?
ROBERT ADDISON.
I know her--and she's worth backing.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
My dear friend, you have saved me! Where is she?
ROBERT ADDISON.
I'll look her up.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
To-day?
ROBERT ADDISON.
Now if you like. Her name is Rosaline, and she's a ripper.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
"Rosaline the Ripper," Robert, fetch her. No wait a moment, I can't do
the picture here; I daren't.
ROBERT ADDISON.
Why not?
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
Well, you see, my wife wouldn't approve, and I blush to say that in the
exuberance of early matrimony I encouraged her in an inconvenient habit
of running into my studio at all hours. I'll have to work in a pal's.
ROBERT ADDISON.
All right, I'll send her there.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
Well, you might bring her now, if you can, and I'll arrange the
sittings with her. Does she hang out in the neighbourhood?
ROBERT ADDISON.
Over a coffee-shop in Golden Street.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
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