of genuine, helpful, womanly kindness, a
sincere disposition, and a healthy, receptive mind. To reproduce such a
face, not exactly beautiful, and yet bewitching, is the hardest possible
task, and Hermon, I repeat it, has succeeded. You are the only one of
your noble sex who inspires the motherless man with respect, and for
whom he feels more than a fleeting fancy. What does he not owe you?
After the bridge which united him to his uncle and paternal friend had
been so suddenly broken, it was you who rebuilt it. Now, I think, it is
stronger than ever. I could not imagine anything that would induce him
to give you up; and all honour to your father, who, instead of bearing
the insubordinate fellow a grudge, only drew him more warmly to his
heart, and gave us two commissions which will permit each to do his
best. If I see clearly, the daughter of Archias is closely connected
with this admirable deed."

"Of course," replied Daphne, "my father discussed his intention with me,
but the thought was entirely his own. True, Hermon's Street-Boy eating
Figs was not exactly according to his taste, but it pleased him better
than his former works, and I agree with Euphranor, it is remarkably true
to nature. My father perceived this too. Besides, he is a merchant who
sets a high value upon what he has earned, and Hermon's refusal of his
gold startled him. Then the good man also saw how nobly, in spite of his
wild life, his obstinacy, and the work so unpleasing to him, his nephew
always showed the noble impulses inherited from his brave father, and
thus Hermon gained the day."

"But what would have become of him last year, after the mortifying
rejection of his model of The Happy Return Home for the harbour of
Eunostus," asked Myrtilus, "if you and your encouragement had not
cheered him?"

"That verdict, too, was abominable!" exclaimed Daphne indignantly. "The
mother opening her arms to the returning son was unlovely, it is true,
and did not please me either; but the youth with the travelling hat and
staff is magnificent in his vigour and natural action."

"That opinion, as you know, is mine also," replied Myrtilus. "In the
mother the expression was intended to take the place of beauty. For the
returning son, as well as for the fig-eater, he found a suitable model.
True, the best was at his disposal for his Demeter."

Here he hesitated; but Daphne so urgently asked to know what he, who had
already denied her admission to the studios,