As Graham quitted the studio the young sculptor joined him, and they walked together toward the station. Northcote was a slender, delicately built man some years Graham’s junior. His face was instinct with the poetry of art, but was lacking in force. By the side of Graham’s strong, resolute countenance his delicate features appeared weak and effeminate. The younger man took his friend’s arm, as if relying on him for physical as well as moral support, and said as they walked along,-- "Graham, where did you pick up that model this morning?" "I found him lounging about the station. Why do you ask?" "He has such a bad face. You should be more careful about the men you engage to pose for you." "And why, Arthur?" "Because you lead such an unprotected life in that terrible old ruin." "What a fanciful creature you are, Northcote. As if there was anything to be gained in molesting a beggarly artist in an inaccessible fortress. You have never seen my tower, or you would not think that it would be an attractive spot to thieves." "Did you not hear," continued Northcote, "of that case of abduction in Cathgate County last week? A man was carried off by a pair of brigands, and kept for a week until a large sum of money was paid for his ransom." "What manner of man was he?" "The president of the county bank." "Well, my dear Arthur, when I become a bank president, or even a railroad treasurer, I will take better care of my worthless self. At present I am not a promising prize to the most sanguine kidnapper. I can fancy your feelings on receiving a notice that, unless five thousand dollars be left in the hollow of a blasted pine-tree on the high-road at San Rosario, a slice of my right ear would be forwarded by way of a reminder! When are you coming out to pass the night with me?" "When I have sold my Diana, or when Patrick Shallop gives me an order for a life-size statue of himself." "Come with me to-day. It will do you good to pass an afternoon in the woods." "Do not ask me. I will take nothing more from you, Graham,--I cannot,--not even a piece of bread, until--" "Well, if you are so obstinate, farewell to you. I must hurry or I shall miss my train." The two men shook hands the sculptor turning into a dingy restaurant, the artist walking rapidly in the direction of the railroad station. Arthur Northcote made a light repast,--for he was poorer than usual that day,--and soon returned to his studio, whose rental was defrayed by his friend’s slender purse. Graham caught his train, and reached San Rosario at about three o’clock. He found his horse at the station, and rode toward the house. At a distant point he caught a glimpse of two figures on the piazza, which he recognized as those of Miss Almsford and Hal Deering, who were talking together, quite unconscious of his approach. "So you like Graham?" Henry Deering was the speaker.