Hobohemians

47He took the German to see Bela. The Hungarian looked at Jank: “You have a very interesting face, full of German character.” Jank solemnly was flattered: “Several German artists have done me. If you care. They were friends of mine.”

48Bela: “Yes, I would like to draw such a fine brow.”

49Willy: “Look at this. This is a portrait of an English friend of mine. Another friend has seen it. He may buy it.”

50Jank was turned to Bela: “I can come to-morrow then. But it is rather difficult for me to come out here. I am very busy. Couldn’t you come to me?”

51On the way back Jank said: “Can you give me your lesson later. Your friend wishes to do my portrait and I asked him to come at two to-morrow.”

52Willy: “Certainly. You know Bela is very poor. Most people pay him four or five hundred francs for a portrait in crayon. That’s how he lives. If you give him three hundred he will be satisfied.”

53Jank: “He wanted to do me. But I shall see he is not unrewarded, if it is a good portrait.”

54Willy decided not to make him pay for his lessons till after Bela had had his bite. He would go round to see that Russian girl from Berlin. He found her sitting on the terrace of the Au Depart with Viktor just arrived from Berlin.

55Ludmila crossed her legs in the clear sunlight of the gardens.—“No, it wouldn’t be quite like this in Russia. I come from a small village right down in the Caucasus where the plains are long for weeks. If we were sitting in a park there—perhaps we shall be some day—you would see a circle on the ground—half a circle of spat-out sunflower seeds. Everyone chews them there and spits them out around, like this”—An abstract mimic spit divides red lips beautifully.

56—It was Jank bought her flowers, paid for drinks. She didn’t like him, thought him a fool, so he is, she likes me.—

57Ludmila tossed a small foot out.—So she might sit on the edge of beds kicking out her feet alternately on sleepy mornings for me to put her slippers on.—Her foot tossed, pointing. “Here is your Hungarian friend.”

58Sombre Bela hesitated between open alleys. Willy waved politely. Bela sat down resting a heavy portfolio against the seat. Evenly he sat: “Your German doctor came this morning and I gave him his portrait. He liked it very much so I gave it him. He was delighted.”

59Willy: “What did he give you?”

60Bela: “Nothing. He didn’t say anything about money. Perhaps he will later. He has invited me to a party in some big house with his rich friends. Perhaps he is going to introduce me to rich people.”

61Ludmila: “Why should you draw such a stupid face? It is too stupid to pay anything.”

62Bela: “But you said he knew about paying something.”

63Willy: “So he did; I will go to see him.”

64Bela: “Don’t say you saw me at all. I can’t ask.”