"Dear Thorp,--Dine with me to-night at half after eight. I noticed
that you were rather taken with my 'Red Duchess'; we will ask the
lady to preside over our modest repast, and you can then gaze your
fill upon her. Faithfully, E. I."

Of course, I intend to accept the invitation.




II

The Red Duchess


At half after eight we sat down to dinner. Indiman, of course, took
the head of the table, and opposite him, propped up on the arms of
an enormous "bishop's chair" of Flemish oak, was Lely's portrait of
the "Red Duchess." What a glorious picture it was, in the masterly
sweep of its lines, in the splendor of its incomparable coloring!
The jagged edges of the canvas showed plainly where the vandal
knife had passed, separating the painting from its frame. But the
really big thing is always independent of its cadre; one hardly
noticed the mutilation, and then immediately forgot about it.

I had been honored with a seat at the lady's right hand, and
opposite me a fourth cover had been laid. Indiman noticed my look
of inquiry.