130 BY ORDER OF THE CZAR.
make it and how to spend it. Is it settled, Forsyth, that you are to be one of our little party? We go next month. Our plan at present is not to stop until we get to Milan; then on to Verona; next to Venice; stay there six or eight weeks, and after a run through the Lakes, return via Switzerland and Paris. Is it true that you have taken a studio in Venice?"
"I have had one offered to me. I should like to go; indeed, it is one of the dreams of my life that I would like to realize."
"You have a good many dreams, you fellows who paint," replied Swynford.
"Yes," said Phil, his mind running on the face in his sketch, "any fellow might be excused for dreaming over such cigars as Milbanke's, not to mention his claret. What a capital dinner you have given us. But your cook is a treasure."
Philip felt he must make an effort to get away from his picture. His work always took strong hold of his imagination, but "Tragedy" seemed to be taking full and entire possession of him; he began to wish he had never seen the woman at the opera. " Shall we join the ladies, Milbanke?"
"By all means. Shall I tell them you will join us in our Italian holiday?"
"Yes, I think so."
"Bull or bear in that stock?" said Sam Swynford to himself as the three left the room. " I suppose he will take the pool; just my luck!"
Mr. Swynford was a stock-broker and he looked it. There was a certain city go and swagger in his manner, which gave confidence to his customers and made Sam welcome both in artistic society and among his city friends. He was breezy and alive with animal spirits, dressed well, wore a flower in his button-hole summer and winter, was
