"Yes, and she spoke of you in the most complimentary way, as you
did of her. Why the mischief you two ladies do not become the
warmest friends is beyond me. Sit down here a little while, Miss
Mayhew, for you are growing tired;" and she was very glad to comply.
As she made no effort to continue the conversation he resumed, "You
haven't told me what my punishment is to be."
"Are you so anxious to be punished?" she asked, looking up shyly
at him.
"Well, my conscience troubles me greatly, and I feel I ought to do
something for you in the way of expiation."
"And so I gather that anything done for me would be such severe
penance that your conscience would be appeased."
"Now, Miss Mayhew," he replied, looking earnestly into her face,
"tell me truly, do you gather any such impression from my words
and manner?"
But she kept her eyes resolutely on the ground, and said demurely,
"Such was the obvious meaning of your words."
"Do you know why I am in the city?" he asked after a moment.
"I have not presumed to think why."
"Perhaps I can make a little inroad in your indifference when I
tell you that I have spent several hours in my studio working on
your picture, and that I intend to work the remainder of the week
so as to have it ready for you Saturday evening.
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