University of Virginia Library

1. CHAPTER I.

[Scene—An Artist's Studio in Rome.]

“OH, George, I do love you!”

“Bless your dear heart, Mary, I know
that—why is your father so obdurate?”
“George, he means well, but art is folly to
him—he only understands groceries. He
thinks you would starve me.”

“Confound his wisdom—it savors of inspiration.
Why am I not a money-making,
bowelless grocer, instead of a divinely-gifted
sculptor with nothing to eat?”

“Do not despond, Georgy, dear—all his prejudices will fade away as soon as
you shall have acquired fifty thousand dol—”

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“Fifty thousand demons! Child, I am in arrears for my board!”