His kind handclasp reassured her even more than his pleasant words, and then Mr. Hepworth greeted her. "You did well to come," he said. "I am glad to see you in New York at last." But Christine couldn't recover herself, and so, as the kindest thing to do, the rest rather let her alone and chatted on other subjects. Gradually she grew less agitated, and as their merry chit-chat waxed gay and frivolous, her determination returned, that she, too, would acquire this accomplishment. Then dinner was announced, and, though outwardly calm, the Southern girl was inwardly in great trepidation lest she commit some ignorant error in etiquette. But she was of gentle birth and breeding, and innately refined, so she knew intuitively regarding all points, save perhaps some modern trifles of conventional usage. Nan, who was watching her, though unobserved, led the conversation around to subjects in which Christine might be likely to be interested, and was rewarded at last by seeing the girl's face light up with an enjoyment unmarred by self-consciousness. Gradually she was induced to take some part in their talk, and once she told an anecdote of her own experience without seeming aware of her unusual surroundings. "She'll do," thought Patty. "It isn't ignorance or inexperience that's the greatest trouble; it's just ingrowing shyness, and she's got to get over it; I'll see that she does, too!" Mr. Hepworth read Patty's unspoken thoughts in her eyes and nodded approval. Patty nodded back with a dimpling smile, and Christine, seeing it, vowed afresh to gain the ability to do that sort of thing herself. For all Southern girls have a touch of the coquette in their natures, but poor Christine's was nearly choked out by the weeds of timidity and self-consciousness. After dinner it was easier. They went to the cosy library, and the atmosphere seemed more informal. Mr. Hepworth brought up the subject of Miss Farley's work, and she was persuaded to fetch some sketches to show them. Though not able to appreciate the fine points of promise as Mr. Hepworth did, they were all greatly pleased with them, and Mr. Fairfield declared them wonderful. In her own field Christine was fearless and quite sure of herself. She talked intelligently about pictures, and many pleasant plans were made for taking her to see several collections then on exhibition, as well as to the Metropolitan and other art galleries. Nan and Patty exchanged pleased glances as Christine talked eagerly, and with shining eyes and pink cheeks, about her own aims and ambitions. Mr. Hepworth was responsive, and advised her on some minor points, but the great question of her art education in New York was not touched upon that first evening. Christine had grown almost gay in her chatter, when Kenneth was announced. Like a sensitive plant at a human touch, she lost all her poise, her face turned white, and her lips quivered as she braced herself for the ordeal of meeting a stranger.