“Then how did you answer him?” the artist asked urgently.

　　“I told him that I guessed your paintings would increase in value after you died. You know I want to sell your paintings. Your paintings have exhibited here for several years but none of them have been sold. If things don’t turn around, I will not exhibit your paintings any more.”

　　“Oh, don’t say that. I know that someone will buy a painting soon,” the poor artist said. “By the way, did the guy ask about the price of my paintings?”

　　“No, he said nothing after I answered his question,” the owner said.

　　“That’s all right. I am very confident now. I’m not afraid of anything. I believe that I will succeed. Well, what is the bad news?”

　　“Oh, looking at your happy face, I nearly forgot it. When I asked him why he wondered if the painting would appreciate in value after you died, he answered: ‘I think it is impossible for them to appreciate in value before the artist dies. These paintings are very bad.’ That’s the bad news,” she said sympathetically.