More and more
sordid seemed the surroundings of his life, and more and more to be
valued the peace which money can buy.
Breakfast had hardly been cleared in the morning, and Robert had not yet
ascended to his work, when there came a timid tapping at the door, and
there was Raffles Haw on the mat outside. Robert ran out and welcomed
him with all cordiality.
"I am afraid that I am a very early visitor," he said apologetically;
"but I often take a walk after breakfast." He had no traces of work
upon him now, but was trim and neat with a dark suit, and carefully
brushed hair. "You spoke yesterday of your work. Perhaps, early as it
is, you would allow me the privilege of looking over your studio?"
"Pray step in, Mr. Haw," cried Robert, all in a flutter at this advance
from so munificent a patron of art; "I should be only too happy to show
you such little work as I have on hand, though, indeed, I am almost
afraid when I think how familiar you are with some of the greatest
masterpieces. Allow me to introduce you to my father and to my sister
Laura."
Old McIntyre bowed low and rubbed his thin hands together; but the young
lady gave a gasp of surprise, and stared with widely-opened eyes at the
millionaire. Maw stepped forward, however, and shook her quietly by the
hand,
"I expected to find that it was you," he said.
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