REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

Happy Sylvester!  Myself, I am a wreck.

MRS. TEMPENNY.

I want some money, Rembrandt.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (disconcerted.)

Eh?  Oh! (To MRS. SYLVESTER.) And working hard I have no doubt.

MRS. SYLVESTER.

I believe so—­he is out all day.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

Admirable—­what industry!

MRS. TEMPENNY.

(Aside to REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.) Rembrandt, I want some money—­have you got a couple of pounds you can let me have?

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (affecting not to hear).

The hardest working people under the sun are artists, I always say so. 
Hard worked—­hard worked! (Fills his pipe).

MRS. SYLVESTER.

May I look round your studio, Mr. Tempenny?

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (waving his hand).

Charmed, positively!

(MRS. SYLVESTER moves up.)

MRS. TEMPENNY (insistently).

Rembrandt, all the neighbourhood knows the butcher summoned us, and none of the tradespeople will serve us with anything unless we pay cash.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

Well, we’re going out to dinner.

MRS. TEMPENNY.

Oh, you drive me wild with your improvident, Bohemian ways.  There’s to-morrow.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

Sufficient for the day is the dinner thereof.  Don’t be greedy.

MRS. SYLVESTER (looking round).

You have sold most of your canvasses, I see, Mr. Tempenny.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (aside).

I thought she wouldn’t find the gallery extensive, I must really do something to-day, I must indeed! (Aloud.) Sold?  Yes, yes.  I am starting on a fresh commission now.  There’s a little sketch up there you may fancy;—­a mere impression, but full of tenderness, I think, and rapture.

MRS. SYLVESTER.

Rapture?

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

It is the newest word by which we explain the inexplicable.  “Rapture!”
It says everything, does it not?

MRS. SYLVESTER (vaguely).

Yes—­yes, indeed.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (aside).

I made it up myself on the spot.

MRS. TEMPENNY.

(Laying her hand on his arm earnestly).  Rembrandt—­

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

Yes, dear, I know what you’re going to say.  The other tradespeople know we haven’t paid the butcher and you want two pounds.  I’ll give it you this evening—­(Aside.) If I can borrow it.

MRS. SYLVESTER (coming down).

Then we shall see you this evening at seven sharp, Mr. Tempenny?  I am going to take Eugenia round to the house with me now, to spend the afternoon.  You’ll find her there when you come.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

Good. (Aside.) I wish they’d go! (Aloud.) You don’t mean to run away yet?