duction. He chafed, indeed,
but he felt his strength even as he pulled against the material things
from which he had to free himself.

And as Fairfax, part of the throng, walked aimlessly up the Rue du Bac
with his problems, he walked less alone that night than ever in his
life, for he was absorbed in the thought of the woman.

He realized now how keenly he had observed her, that she was very
charming and very beautiful. He could have drawn those dear features,
the contour of her neck and chin, the poise of her head, the curve of
her shoulder, and, imperceptible, but no less real and strong, her grace
and charm made her an entity to him, so much so that she actually seemed
to have remained by his side, and he almost fancied, as he breathed the
misty air, that he breathed again the odour of the scent that she used,
sweet and delicate, and that he felt the touch of her velvet sleeve
against his coat.

He still had in his possession one object, which, if pawned, might
furnish enough money to pay for a meal. It was a little seal, belonging
to his mother, set in old gold.

This afternoon, before leaving the studio, he had thrust it in his
waistcoat pocket, in case the little statuette did not sell.

They gave him five francs for it, and he laid in a stock of provisions,
and with his little parcel once more he limped up the studio stairs to
Dearborn, who, wrapped in the coverlet, waited by the stove.

He told his story, and Dearborn listened delightedly, his literary and
dramatic sense pleased by the adventure.

They were talking of the lady when the concierge, toward nine o'clock,
tapped at the door and handed Antony a thick blue envelope, inscribed
"Mr. Thomas Rainsford" by a woman's hand.

"Tony, old man," said the playwright, as Antony's fingers trembled
turning the page, "the romance of a poor young man has begun."

The letter ran as follows:--

"MY DEAR MR. RAINSFORD,

"I am anxious to have a small bas-relief of me, to give to Mr.
Cedersholm when he shall come over. Would you have time to
undertake this work? I can pose when you like.

"I know how many claims a man of talent has upon his time, and I
want to secure some of yours and make it mine. I venture to send
this sum in advance. I hope you will not refuse it. Perhaps you
will dine with me to-morrow and we will talk things over.

"Yours faithfully,
"MARY FAVERSHAM."

Fairfax read this letter twi