n't
what you threatened to do, was it?"

"No," said he. "_I'm_ to be punished. I'm going to tell you about a
mistake of judgment I once made. But not as a warning, or a moral
lesson--merely, my dear, that you and I may learn to know each other
better. First, though, I want to talk to you about your model."

"He's rather fascinating, don't you think?"

"He is very clever," said her father, "and when he chooses he can talk
very well. He proved that this morning. To me, personally, he is most
repugnant, but I admit that when he once launched out, I listened as a
school-boy listens to stories of treasure and pirates. He's lived and
observed and suffered. There is no doubt about that. But I shall be
greatly relieved to hear that your bust is finished. I don't like the
idea of such a man being in the same block with you. I hope that you
will not feel inspired to do another head of him."

"He's a splendid model," said Barbara. "Of course this morning he
didn't keep still--and he did talk. But then I wasn't really working;
When I wish he keeps almost as still as the clay I work with."

"Doesn't looking at him ever give you--oh, a disagreeable creepy
feeling?"

"Not any more. I'm so used to him now. No, I feel a genuine friendliness
for him,"

"I thought," said her father, "that to you artists, models were
absolutely impersonal--just planes and angles and--what was it you
used to say?"

Barbara flushed slightly, remembering a former and very disagreeable
conversation. "Your memory is much too good," she said.

Dr. Ferris frowned, "I'm not trying to interfere," he said; "you're old
enough to know what's best for you, but if I could instil in you a
proper distaste for your friend, Mr. Blizzard, I should be delighted.
Beauty and the beast do _not_ go well together."

"_Please"_ said Barbara, "don't bother your head about me. When the bust
is finished, you and I go abroad for to look, for to see, for to learn.
That's agreed. We shall not invite Mr. Blizzard to go with us, and all
will be well. There's my hand on it!"

She laughed rosily, and they shook hands.

"Until recently," said Dr. Ferris, "I have taken, as you know, very
little interest in your career as a sculptor. Haven't you thought that
rather an unnatural attitude?"

"Why, yes," said Barbara, "I have."

She took a box of safety matches from a cigar-table, and kneeling,
lighted the fire in the big chimney-piece.

"I hope you don't mind," she said; "I'm