What a nice man

I came upon an artist poised rather awkwardly on a narrow pavement, painting a miniature picture of our local pub. The conversation went somewhat as follows:-
Me'. Hello there, what are you painting?'
Artist. 'I'm painting that pub over there' 'What a nice dog' he added as he bent down to stroke Mars.  Now Mars is very shy and backs off immediately when someone approaches him, unless they are very special.
Mars wagged his tail and gently sniffed the man's hand.
Me. 'He obviously likes you and I like your painting' I added.
'Thank you, I'm hoping the pub might like to buy it.'
'What a good idea' I enthuse. .'good luck..'
Later that evening my door bell goes. There stands my artist.
'He didn't want it. I want you to have it.'
'Oh no, I couldn't possibly .' I stutter
'I mean it. You liked it. I want you to have it' and he pressed the small miniature into my hand. Mars wagged his tail and whilst I gathered my thoughts he swiftly turned and was gone in the dusk.

What a very nice man.



.