"I think I'm going to make a hit with this, Kitty," he said to his daughter one morning, as he was preparing for the arrival of his admirably punctual and singularly patient model. "You see, I've got a splendid young chap to stand for it. He's the real thing, instead of a coster dressed up in an officer's uniform. And he's a pleasant chap, too," he continued meditatively. "A modest, well-mannered young fellow: no swank or swagger; in fact, a gentleman. By the way, Kitty, you might remember that little fact, and not be quite so short and sharp with him when he speaks to you." "Oh, it won't hurt him," retorted Kitty, turning her back quickly. "From what I have seen of him, I should say that Captain Barnard would not be easily snubbed." "And you try pretty hard," remarked her father. "For instance, yesterday there was no occasion for you to tell him to shut up when he observed that it was a fine day." "All I said was that a model was much more effective when he kept his mouth closed," said Kitty. "That strikes me as being pretty much the same thing," said her father. "He looked quite crushed." "Do him good," murmured Kitty. "Besides, he can talk the hind leg off an army mule when he likes." "How do you know?" asked her parent, with mild surprise. "Oh, I'm only drawing inferences from--from his general appearance," said Kitty, looking a trifle confused. "Going out to lunch again to-day?" demanded her father, repiningly, as, clad in outdoor things, she passed him in the passage a couple of hours later. "Sorry, dear; got a pressing engagement. Besides, you never eat anything. There! did it miss its nurse? Never mind! I'll be in all the evening." She scrunched up his face, gave him what she called her "screw" kiss, and departed to the A.B.C. shop. By this time, it must be confessed, the fortress besieged by Captain Barnard with such ingenuous strategy, but manly courage, had surrendered; and to-day the wounded soldier had brought a pretty but inexpensive ring with him. "It's all I can afford, dearest," he said, as he slipped it on the finger. "It's a perfect duck," she returned, touching the ring with her lips--a wicked and maddening thing to do; for you can't kiss a girl in an A.B.C. shop, however much in love with her you may be. "And to-morrow I'll tell your father. What--what do you think he'll say, darling?" "I know what he'll say, but I couldn't repeat it, because I've been properly brought up," replied Kitty. "But he won't refuse his consent, won't chuck me out?" cried her lover, aghast. "No; because, strange as it may seem, he's really fond of me. Oh, I don't deserve it; for he's the dearest dad that ever had a hussy and a minx for a daughter. No, he won't throw you out, at any rate until the picture's finished. And perhaps you'll be tired of me--I mean, I shall be tired of you--we shall be tired of each other, before that time." "I'll risk that," he said confidently, pressing her hand under the table. [Illustration]