not much of a judge of painting in general, but
I know a friend's face when I see it; and this is to the life. To the
life! Graceful, too. Where did you get it?"

"I got the paper and the paints at a little shop in--I forget the name
of the _strasse;_--and mother was here to my hand. Ecco!"

"You _don't_ mean you did it?" said Lawrence, while the others crowded
near to look.

"I used to amuse myself with that kind of thing when I was at school,
and I had always a knack at catching likenesses. I am going to try you,
Rupert, next."

"Ah, try me!" cried Lawrence. "Will you? and we will stay in Dresden
till it is done."

"Suppose I succeed," said Dolly softly,--"will you get me orders?"

"Orders?"

"Yes. To paint likenesses, like this, in miniature. I can take ivory,
but I would not waste ivory on this one. I'll do yours on ivory if you
like."

"But _orders?_" said Lawrence, dumbfounded.

"Yes," said Dolly, nodding, "orders; and for as high pay as you think I
can properly ask. Hush! say nothing to mother"----

"Is that like me?" Mrs. Copley asked, after studying the little picture.

"Capitally like you!" Lawrence cried.

"Then I've changed more'n I thought I had, that's all. I don't think I
care about your painting me any more, Dolly, if that's the best you can
do."

"Why, Mrs. Copley," said Lawrence, "it's beautiful. Exactly your turn
of the head, and the delicate fresh colour in your cheeks. It's
perfect!"

"Is it?" said Mrs. Copley in a modified tone. "So that's what you've
been fussing about, Dolly, these two days. Well, take Mr. St. Leger
next. I want to see what you'll make of him. She won't flatter you,"
the lady went on; "that's one thing you may lay your account with; she
won't flatter you. But if we're going away, you won't have much chance;
and, seems to me, we had better settle which way we are going."

Lawrence did not take up this hint. He sat gazing at the little
miniature, which was in its way very lovely. The colours were lightly
laid in, the whole was rather sketchy; but the grace of the delineation
was remarkable, and the likeness was perfect; and Dolly had shown a
true artist's eye in her choice of position and point of view.

"I did not know you had such a wonderful talent," he remarked.

Dolly made no answer.

"You'll do me next?"

"If you like my conditions."

"I do not understand them," he said, looking up at her.

"I want orders," Dolly said almost in a whisper.

"Orde