It was a very advantageous deal. Not only was his own workday worth far less than what he would have to pay the painter for a workday, was he to pay in money; it might even bring income after the painting was done. He worried a little that he might get in trouble with other physicians for harming the market if he would offer a 'free clinic', but then, it wasn't really free. And it was too tempting not to accept.

"I'd be very happy with that deal, si- my lord." He looked at the painter hesitantly. "Might I... invite you to dinner at my place before you start the work. Then I could show you the study while you're there and where everything is, and you can begin at ease once you start painting."