"I'm going to Europe next summer."
"Is that so?" I replied. "For pleasure?"
"Well, partly."
"What's up outside of that?" I asked.
"I'm going to represent the American Architectural League at the international convention."
"I didn't know you were an architect," I said.
"Well, I'm not," he answered, "professionally. I've studied it pretty thoroughly."
"Well, you seem to be coming up, Louis," I remarked.
"I'm doing all right," he answered.
He went on working at his easel as if his fate depended upon what he was doing. He had the fortunate quality of being able to work and converse most entertainingly at the same time. He seemed to enjoy company under such circumstances.