The Rape of Venice by Dennis Wheatley Read Free Book Online

and during the past year had produced several canvasses which were decidedly original in construction and colouring.
    One of Beckford’s characteristics was an intense impatience to press on with any matter that happened to be occupying his mind; so, as he seated himself at the table, he said to Colonel Thursby, ‘Can you inform me, Sir, when the rest of the party will be down?’
    â€˜I cannot speak for Signor Malderini,’ replied the Colonel, ‘but few foreigners are hearty trenchermen in the morning, so ’tis probable that he’ll take a continental breakfast in his room. As for Dick Sheridan, he may send for a draught of ale or a decanter of Madeira, but he never joins the company before midday.’
    â€˜â€™Twas of the ladies I was thinking, Sir; for now we have the morning light, I’m all eagerness to see Lady St. Ermins’s paintings.’
    The Colonel smiled. ‘My daughter, Sir, is apt to take an unconscionable time with her toilette, so I much doubt if we can count on seeing her, either, until the morning is well advanced.’
    Having piled a plate high with kedgeree and poured himself a glass of claret, Droopy looked across at Roger, gave him a mischievous grin, then said to Beckford, ‘Mr. Brook has been staying here for some while, and when he does so Lady St. Ermins always shares her studio with him. Until her Ladyship appears he would, I am sure, be delighted to give us his views on art and a sight of his latest masterpiece.’
    â€˜Fie, Ned! Shame on you!’ Roger exclaimed. ‘You know well enough ...’
    â€˜So, Mr. Brook, you too are a painter!’ Beckford cut in with quick interest.
    â€˜Nay; I’m nought but the veriest tyro, Sir. And then only for brief intervals between long periods when other matters leave me no leisure to ruin canvas.’
    â€˜Such modesty becomes you, Sir; but I’d wager that you are belittling your talents.’
    â€˜It is the truth,’ Roger assured him. ‘Even had I, like Lady St. Ermins, had the advantage of studying under Mr. Gainsborough and Sir Joshua Reynolds, I could never have entered her class.’
    Beckford raised his straight dark eyebrows. ‘I find it surprising that those rival masters should have been willing to give instruction to the same pupil.’
    â€˜In this instance, their rivalry was over who could do the most for her,’ Roger laughed. ‘I’d not impugn their honour by suggesting that it was a case of Susanna and the Elders; but it was not unnatural that two old gentlemen who had long since won wealth and fame should both find a new interest in imparting their knowledge to such a lovely and talented young woman.’
    â€˜Of your own painting, though,’ the Colonel remarked, ‘you have no reason to be ashamed. I thought the portrait you have done from memory of Queen Marie Antoinette, as she was while still living at Versailles, an excellent likeness.’
    With eager interest Beckford again looked across at Roger. ‘You knew that lovely but ill-fated Queen, then?’
    â€˜I did, Sir. Her Majesty honoured me with her friendship, and I saw her with some frequency both before and after she was imprisoned.’
    â€˜I, too, continued to visit Paris up till ’93, and I was present at both the taking of the Bastille and the execution of King Louis.’
    This exchange led to their swapping memories of the Revolution during the remainder of the meal. Then, when all four men had dealt fairly with the selection of chops and kidneys, eggs and sausages, York ham, steak pie and galantines, Colonel Thursby said:
    â€˜As Georgina will not be down yet awhile, I suggest we should take a look at Roger’s picture, then go round those in the house.’
    There was a murmur of assent. Picking up his ebony cane, he led the way, limping a little, to the Studio. There the portrait was duly praised, then they began a tour of the Van