THE ARTIST
An artist went to visit an old friend he had not seen since he left home.They stayed up talking half the night.Just as they were going to turn in,the artist asked,"By the way,John,what happened to that old painting of mine?"
"Painting of yours?Oh,yes,Iremember,the girl in a green dress.I have it hanging in my bedroom."
"Could I have a look at it?You gave me 20 dollars for it.Remember?"
John brought the painting down and placed it on the cabinet at the end of the room.
"Would you like another cup of coffe?"
"Well,one more then."The artist sat and stared at his painting for a long time.
When John returned with the coffee, the artist said, "Do you know, I think this is one of my best pieces of work - I'd like to have it back."
"Heavens," John thought. "The painting must be worth two thousand dollars with the reputation he's got now." And then he said out loud, "Really?