Henry James 
The Real Thing and Other Tales – Book II 

THE REAL THING. Aristocratic couple, after losing their fortune, seek work as artist‘s models. A tiny but tragic examination of class, unusual in that the déclassé couple are presented quite sympathetically, loving, dignified and prepared to make the best of their difficult situation, hardworking in whatever is offered. It’s just that their class background makes them utterly unprepared for normal work and everyone used to work for their living uncomfortable.