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revulsion from them all. He wrote to Lawson and asked him
to send over all his belongings. A week later they arrived.
When he unpacked his canvases he found himself able to
examine his work without emotion. He noticed the fact with
interest. His uncle was anxious to see his pictures. Though
he had so greatly disapproved of Philip’s desire to go to Par-
is, he accepted the situation now with equanimity. He was
interested in the life of students and constantly put Philip
questions about it. He was in fact a little proud of him be-
cause he was a painter, and when people were present made
attempts to draw him out. He looked eagerly at the studies of
models which Philip showed him. Philip set before him his
portrait of Miguel Ajuria.
‘Why did you paint him?’ asked Mr. Carey.
‘Oh, I wanted a model, and his head interested me.’
‘As you haven’t got anything to do here I wonder you don’t
paint me.’
‘It would bore you to sit.’
‘I think I should like it.’
‘We must see about it.’
Philip was amused at his uncle’s vanity. It was clear that
he was dying to have his portrait painted. To get something
for nothing was a chance not to be missed. For two or three
days he threw out little hints. He reproached Philip for lazi-
ness, asked him when he was going to start work, and finally
began telling everyone he met that Philip was going to paint
him. At last there came a rainy day, and after breakfast Mr.
Carey said to Philip:
‘Now, what d’you say to starting on my portrait this morn-

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