and with
plenty of light. The part used by Amias Keston as his workshop was
quite bare with the exception of the sitter's throne and an easel or
two; this could at any time be curtained off to secure privacy.

The rest of the studio was fitted up as a sitting-room, with rugs,
easy-chairs, and a couch, and a table with work and writing-materials.
Here, in a retired nook behind an old screen, stood "Babs's"
bassinette, where she took her mid-day naps.

"This is Verity's and Bab's playroom," explained Malcolm with a
patronising air; "here the Martha of the establishment takes her
well-earned rest." Then Verity flashed a sudden look at him which
expressed unmitigated indignation.

"Hit one of your own size, Malcolm, my boy," observed a voice genially
from the distance; and then, as Verity drew back a curtain, Anna saw a
big, burly-looking man, with shaggy hair and a fair moustache, painting
at an easel.

He was so big, so colossal in fact, that he seemed to shake the floor
as he walked; everything was big about him, his hands and feet, his
voice and his laugh, and when he whispered his words were audible at
the other end of the room. This giant among men wore an old brown
velvet coat, very frayed about the elbows, and though he was by no
means handsome, there was such a pleasant, kindly expression on his
face that Anna felt drawn to him at once.

"How do you do, Miss Sheldon?" he said, as Malcolm introduced them; "my
wife and I have long wished to make your acquaintance," and here his
big hand seemed to swallow Anna's up.

"Go on with your painting, Goliath," interrupted Malcolm. "He is
working against time, Anna, and every daylight hour is of consequence
to him; it was Verity who drew that curtain that he might not be
disturbed;" and then Amias Keston stretched his huge arms and gave
himself a shake.

"The Philistines are upon thee, Samson! Yea-Verily, my child, if the
Snark is back, you had better tell her to bring us some tea." But here
Malcolm again interposed. Goliath was far too busy, they would have tea
upstairs, and then sit on the balcony afterwards; and Verity understood
him at once. "Hepsy is back," she said composedly; "please take Miss
Sheldon upstairs, and then Amias will go on with his work, and I will
send up tea as soon as possible;" but before they were out of the
studio Goliath was back at his easel and painting away for dear life.

CHAPTER VII

MORE ANCIENT HISTORY WITH VERITY