how
coolly they perused him, how calmly they studied him as an abstract
thing. He wanted to see a little shyness, a little consciousness, a
little wavering, in those clear, wise orbs; but no! Dolly sat at her
work and did it as unconcernedly as if she were five years old, to all
appearance; with as quiet, calm poise of manner and simplicity of
dignity as if she had been fifty. But how pretty she was! Those eyes of
hers were such an uncommon mingling of childhood and womanhood, and so
lovely in cut and colour and light; and the mouth was the most mobile
thing ever known under that name, and charming in every mood of rest or
movement. The whole delicate face, the luxuriant brown hair, the little
hands, the supple, graceful figure, Lawrence studied over and over
again; till he felt it was not good for him.

"Painting a person must make you well acquainted with him," he began
after a long silence, during which Dolly had been very busy.

"Outside knowledge," said Dolly.

"Does not the outside always tell something of what is within?"

"Something," Dolly allowed in the same tone.

"What do you see in me?"

"Mrs. St. Leger will know, when she gets this."

"What you see _in_ me?"

"Well, no--perhaps not."

"Couldn't you indulge me and tell me?"

"Why should I?"

"Out of kindness."

"I do not know whether it would be a kindness," said Dolly slowly.

"You see, Dolly, a fellow can't stand everything for ever! I want to
know what you think of me, and what my chances are. Come! I've been
pretty patient, it strikes me. Speak out a bit."

Mrs. Copley was lying down to rest, and Rupert had left the room. The
pair were alone.

"What do you want me to say, Mr. St. Leger?"

"Tell me what you see in me."

"What would be the good of that? I see an Englishman, to begin with."

"You _see_ that in me?"

"Certainly."

"I am glad, but I didn't know it. Is that an advantage in your eyes?"

"Am I an Englishwoman?"

"Not a bit of it," said Lawrence, "nor like it. I never saw an English
girl the least like you. But you might grow into it, Dolly, don't you
think?"

She lifted her face for an instant and gave him a flashing glance of
fun.

"Won't you try, Dolly?"

"I think I would just as lieve be an American."

"Why? America is too far off."

"Very good when you get there," said Dolly contentedly.

"But not better than we have on our side?"

"Well, you have not all the advantages on your side," said Dolly, muc