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Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2834, 15 March 1878, Page 2

An English merchant prince latelyengaged a rising young painter for.the purpose of having his own portrait in oil conveyed to posterity. "How long do you think it will takeP" asked the model, " Perhaps fifteen days," was the reply. Sittings began, and the artist entered so heartily into his work that in eleven days the portrait was done. "Why," asked Crasus, when the fact was announced to htm, "do you intend suppressing four day •' work P" " It does not matter at all; the portrait is finished," answered the painter. " Well, sir, this is not business ;. we said a hundred guineas and fifteen days' work, lam quite prepared to stand the price, but you ought not to spend an hour less upon the wprk than was agreed upon." There was no, use arguing with suoh a man. The painter took his brush again, and spent four, sittings moire in lengthening, little by little, in the portrait, the caw of bis patron.