She was not long in finding her way to the studio.

"You have not delayed Miss Framley on my account?" she said.

"No, but Miss Framley has gone to Milwaukee for a week, leaving me at leisure."

When Grace, following directions, had seated herself in the required attitude, Vernon engaged her in conversation about books and authors, and each discovered that the other had a mind rarely cultivated.

Miss Dearborn's face lighted up, and became animated¹. She forgot that she was sitting for her portrait, and for that very reason, perhaps, afforded a better study for the young artist. He could not help, from time to time, directing glances of scarcely disguised admiration² at the fair sitter. But of this she was unconscious.

When the sitting closed, she was surprised to learn that she had been in the studio two hours.

[Pg 73]"I hope you have not found it very tedious," said Vernon, apologetically.

"On the contrary," answered Grace, smiling. "The time has passed quickly."

"I am glad of that. Then you won't mind giving another sitting soon?"

"To-morrow, if you like."

"I should like it exceedingly, if it will not interfere³ with your engagements."

"Oh, my engagements are those of an idle young lady, and can easily be put off. May I see what progress you have made?"

"I would rather you would not look just yet. I have only made a beginning."

"I will be patient, then. Indeed, I can't say I am over anxious. My own face is quite familiar enough to me."

"If I can make it look natural, I shall be quite contented⁴."

"I have confidence in your talent. Besides, I have heard one of your portraits highly praised."

"Indeed! May I ask where?"

"I cannot tell you. It is a friend of Miss Framley."

"Miss Cutler?"

"Very likely. I don't know either of the young ladies, but I overheard them in a street-car commending[Pg 74] highly the portrait you had painted of Miss Cutler. They seemed equally pleased," she added with a smile, "with the low price which you asked for your work."

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