The next day he did a little better; the tenth day he reached the north window with the aid of the chair and the little shoulder, that felt, under his hand, like fine steel. They kept their mighty secret from Law. "What’s on the easels?" Norval asked on the morning of the fourteenth day when he felt the breeze from the north coming in through the half-opened window. "One easel has a girl on it; a girl with a fiddle." Norval breathed hard, then gave a laugh. "Fairer than morning, lovelier than the daylight," he whispered. "Yes. Why, yes, Mr. Norval. Those words are on a piece of paper hanging from the frame. How did you know?" "Miss Walden, I painted that picture. You may not believe it, but I did. It is a portrait of about the purest soul I ever met." "Can you tell me about her?" "No, she’s not the kind to tell about." "I beg your pardon, Mr. Norval." But Donelle’s face was aglow. "And the other easel?" Norval was asking. "What’s on that?" "Such a dear, funny woman. She’s standing by a big oven, an outdoor oven; she’s got loaves of bread on something that looks like a flat spade." Norval’s face was a study. "Where do they use those ovens?" Donelle asked. "Oh! somewhere in Canada." "Did you ever know this dear, funny woman, Mr. Norval." "She’s not the kind one _knows_. I’ve seen her, thank heaven! I’m glad to be able to recall her when I’m alone." "Yes—she looks like that kind." Donelle threw a kiss to the pictured Jo. Another week and then the chair was discarded. Quite impressively Norval, his hand on the small, steady shoulder, did the length of the studio. "It’s great," he said like a happy boy. "Miss Walden, you ought to have the cross, iron, gold, or whatever it is they give to brave women." "I have," Donelle whispered delightedly; "I have." "What is it made of, Miss Walden, this cross that you have won?" "You’ll have to guess." "You’re a pert young secretary if that is the title your job goes by. Aren’t you afraid I’ll bounce you?" "I’m going to bounce myself." "What!" The hand on the shoulder tightened. "You’re going away?" "Yes, I cannot stand a summer in the city. That Kicker almost caught me this morning." "You treat me like a spoiled child, Miss Walden. Amusing me, coaxing me; you’ll be bringing me toys next." "You’re a strong man, now, Mr. Norval, that is why I’m going away. Soon you will not need me. The doctor told Mr. Law yesterday that surely you would see." "Did he? Don’t fool me, Miss Walden. I do not want to be eased up. Did he say that?" "Yes, I heard him." A growing excitement stirred Norval and that afternoon he met Law halfway across the room! Not even the little shoulder aided him. He stretched out his hand and said: "Andy, here I am!" For a moment Law reeled back. Of late he feared that Norval would defeat all their hopes by his indifference. "You—you’ve done this?" he said to Donelle, who stood behind Norval, her trembling hands covering her quivering lips.