"That I am entirely at fault for allowing you to wander there." "You are unkind to yourself to say that." "I vow I mean it." They neared the settee into which he gallantly assisted her. She made room for him by drawing back the folds of her gown. "Have you ever had a miniature made?" he asked of her. "Never. I scarce gave it a thought," she replied nonchalantly. "In that gown, you would make a perfect picture." "Couldst thou paint it?" she asked quickly with the attitude of one who has proposed an impossible question. "Aye, and willingly, would I," he smartly replied. "I should love to see it. I should scarce know mine own face." She regarded the subject with ridicule, observing as she spoke the end of the sash with which her fingers had been fumbling. "You shall see it as it is with no artful flattery to disfigure it. May I bring it in person? The post-rider's bag is too unworthy a messenger." "Lud! I shall be unable to restrain my curiosity and await the carrier." "Then I shall be the carrier." "Nothing would afford me more pleasure." Neither of the two spoke for a moment. She wondered if she were imprudent. While she had not known this man before this evening, still she knew of him as the one who took part in the disturbance at the Coffee House. He seemed unusually attentive to her, although not unpleasantly so, and innocently enough the question presented itself to her as to the import of his motives. He had sought no information nor did he disclose any concerning himself, for at no time did their conversation arise to any plane above the commonplace. Yet she was willing to see him again and to discover, if possible, the true state of his mind. Stephen, she knew, would approve of her action; not only because of the personal satisfaction which might be derived therefrom, but also because of the possibilities which such a meeting might unfold. That Anderson was prompted by some ulterior motive and that he was not attracted so much by her charms as by the desire of seeking some advantage, she was keen enough to sense. Just what this quest might lead to could not be fathomed, yet it presented at all hazards a situation worthy of more than a passing notice.