The graceful stranger dropped an eye on the sketch again.
"Is your picture so good as that?" she asked.
"I have a great deal of talent," he answered, laughing. "You shall see
for yourself, when it is finished."
She turned slowly toward the terrace again.
"You certainly have a great deal of talent, to induce me to do what you
ask." And she walked to where she had stood before. Longueville made a
movement to go with her, as if to show her the attitude he meant; but,
pointing with decision to his easel, she said--
"You have only five minutes." He immediately went back to his work, and
she made a vague attempt to take up her position. "You must tell me if
this will do," she added, in a moment.
"It will do beautifully," Longueville answered, in a happy tone, looking
at her and plying his brush. "It is immensely good of you to take so
much trouble."
For a moment she made no rejoinder, but presently she said--
"Of course if I pose at all I wish to pose well."
"You pose admirably," said Longueville.
After this she said nothing, and for several minutes he painted rapidly
and in silence. He felt a certain excitement, and the movement of his
thoughts kept pace with that of his brush.
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