“Then the opposition to the Academy is flourishing!” cried Matt, joyfully. His vague, youthful sympathy with all that was fresh and young was strengthened and made concrete by the revelations of struggle and starvation in the lives of those that had preceded him, martyred for the faith that was in them.
“Yes, it is flourishing,” said Herbert; “so much so that in ten years’ time most of ’em will be Academicians or Associates. If I were the governor I’d buy ’em up now; but he’s got no insight.”
“Oh,” said Matt, disappointed. “Do you mean the Academy will win, after all?”
“Six of one and half a dozen of t’other. They’ll be half accepted and half toned down. Already Greme and Butler are married--and that’s the beginning of the end. Lucky beggars! supplied with enthusiasm in their youth, and comfort in their old age. I wish I was young myself.”
“I never was young,” said Herbert, shaking his head. “I always saw through everything. Heigho! Give us a light from your cigar. I’ve sighed mine out.”
“I suppose they’re very grateful to Brinkside,” said Matt, when the fire of Herbert’s cigar was rekindled.
“They play billiards with him, but I don’t suppose they’ve squared up yet.”
“But they’re making money now,” urged Matt, horrified. Years of bitter slavery to domestic liabilities had unfitted him to understand this laxity of financial fibre.
“And then? Why be rash? One can’t foresee the future.”
Before the magnificence of this rebuke Matt shrank abashed; he had a sneaking twinge of shame and concern for his own homely honesty, as for something inauspiciously inartistic.
“Talking of money,” went on Herbert, “I’m devilish hard up myself for a day or two--bills to meet at once, and my allowance don’t come due for a few days. You couldn’t advance me a trifle, I suppose?”
“Do you think you could let me have a pony?”
“Twenty-five pounds. Don’t do it if it will at all inconvenience you.”
Matt was glad that it was too dark for Herbert to read his face. The sum was by far the greater portion of his worldly possessions. But he did not hesitate. Herbert would refund it in a day or two.
“I will bring it to the studio to-morrow,” he said.
“That’s a good chap,” said Herbert. “By-the-way, we’ve got to go to Cornpepper’s studio next Sunday week.”