o him, since the baby died.
Indeed she never speaks a word to any one beyond what is strictly
necessary. This state of things cannot go on. I told Eliza yesterday to
go and ask her for money, which she did. On the heels of it I went to
her and told her you wanted to begin a new picture and could find no
model so suitable as herself. I asked her if she would agree. She told
me then that Eliza had come to her for money to carry on the house, and
that she felt she must, in some way, earn it, as she would not owe
tradespeople, who could not afford to lose by her. So she asked me to
tell you she would begin the sittings to-morrow."

"What a friend you are, Doctor, to her and to me!" said Noel, grasping
his companion's hand.

The doctor held his hand in a resolute pressure as he looked at him
keenly and said:

"I think I know my man. At all events I'm going to trust you. I haven't
much belief in saints, but unless you're a double-dyed scoundrel you
will never betray this trust."

Noel answered nothing. The two men grasped hands a second longer and
then, each satisfied with each, they parted.

When Christine came the next morning the pity that Noel felt for her
almost overcame him. It was evident that the sight of the place brought
up the saddest memories, and she appeared at the door empty-armed,
instead of weighted down by her helpless little burden. The look on her
face, as she threw back her veil, was almost more than he could bear.
By a mute little gesture she seemed to implore him not to speak of what
filled the minds of both, and he obeyed her. She gave him both her
hands. He felt like falling on his knees before her, and controlled
himself only by a strong effort. It seemed inhuman not to do something
to help her, but what could he do?

"I'm so sorry for you," was all he could say.

"Don't speak. Don't make me speak. You know I thank you for everything.
I can't talk."

Then, loosing his hands, she walked off to a window and stood looking
out, while Noel chose a different canvas and busied himself with
preparations for work. Presently she came and placed herself calmly, and
Noel began to draw. Occasionally he said some little thing, and she
assented, but they both soon felt that silence was the only thing. There
was no suggestion of tears in her eyes, but their look was the sadder
for that. When the sitting was ended Noel tried to make her take a glass
of wine or some fruit, but she turned from them almost wit