ut very indistinctly. The idea he expressed
thus inadequately was, "Hang Frank!" But she heard the next word too
plainly for her self-possession.

"Jean!"

(Mr. Walkingshaw was now ascending his well-carpeted staircase.)

She gave him one glance which she meant for reproof; but when he saw her
eyes, so loving and a little moist, he covered the short space between
them with one movement, and was on his knees before her.

"Do you love me?" he whispered.

Her head bent over his, and she answered very faintly something like
"Yes."

Mr. Walkingshaw entered his drawing-room.

For a moment there was a painful pause. Jean's face had turned a
becoming shade of crimson, and the artist was on his feet. Naturally the
woman spoke first.

"I--I didn't expect you back so soon, father."

"So I perceive," said Mr. Walkingshaw.

The young man turned to him with creditable composure.

"One can hardly judge of the effect in this light," said he.

Mr. Walkingshaw had heard of people becoming insane under the stress of
a sudden shock, and he wondered uneasily whether this misfortune had
befallen Lucas Vernon or himself. The artist perceived his success, and
hope began to rise afresh. He cocked his head professionally on one side
and examined the confounded girl.

"We must try the pose in my studio."

Jean also saw the dawn of hope.

"May I inquire what you are talking about?" demanded her father.

"Miss Walkingshaw has promised to sit to me for her portrait,"
explained the artist. "We were trying one or two positions."

Mr. Walkingshaw breathed somewhat heavily, but said nothing. Jean's
color began to subside.

"Mr. Vernon was arranging my hands," she contributed towards his
enlightenment.

Mr. Vernon was now gazing on her in the attitude which he had learnt
from plays and poems conveyed to the laity the best conception of
artistic fervor.

"The head a little more to the right!" he exclaimed. "The hands crossed!
A smile, please! Now, sir, how do you like that?"

Mr. Walkingshaw ignored the question altogether and addressed his
daughter.

"If Mr. Vernon can give any reasons why he should paint your portrait, I
think he had better give them to me before the matter goes further."

His formidable eye supplied the addendum, "And you leave the room!"

She obeyed, and the painter was left with this singularly favorable
opportunity of obtaining a commission at last.

CHAPTER III

"Well, sir?" said Mr. Walki