' That's what I said to
_him._ That's what I say to _you._ I'm a rough 'un, I know; but I
hav'n't broke out of prison, or cheated the gallows--"
"My dear sir," interposed Valentine, eagerly and alarmedly, "pray don't
imagine any such offensive ideas ever entered my head! I might perhaps
have thought that family troubles--"
"That's it," Mat broke in quickly. "Family troubles. Drop it there; and
you'll leave it right."
Before Mr. Blyth could make any attempt to shift the conversation to
some less delicate topic, he was interrupted (to his own great relief)
by the return of young Thorpe to the studio.
Zack announced the approaching arrival of the supper-tray; and warned
"Hercules" to cover up his neck and shoulders immediately, unless he
wished to frighten the housemaid out of her wits. At this hint Mr.
Blyth laid aside his drawing-board, and Mat put on his flannel
waistcoat; not listening the while to one word of the many fervent
expressions of gratitude addressed to him by the painter, but appearing
to be in a violent hurry to array himself in his coat again. As soon as
he had got it on, he put his hand in one of the pockets, and looked
hard at Valentine. Just then, however, the servant came in with the
tray; upon which he turned round impatiently, and walked away once
again to the lower end of the room.
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