She looked very red and very pretty as she said this, and Peter Sherringham liked her enough to notice her more and like her better when she looked prettier than usual. As he turned away he heard Miriam make answer with no great air of appreciation of her tribute: "I've seen you before--two days ago at the Salon with Mr. Dormer. Yes, I know he's your brother. I've made his acquaintance since. He wants to paint my portrait. Do you think he'll do it well?" He was afraid the girl was something of a brute--also somewhat grossly vain. This impression would perhaps have been confirmed if a part of the rest of the short conversation of the two young women had reached his ear. Biddy ventured to observe that she herself had studied modelling a little and that she could understand how any artist would think Miss Rooth a splendid subject. If indeed _she_ could attempt her head, that would be a chance indeed. "Thank you," said Miriam with a laugh as of high comedy. "I think I had rather not _passer par toute la famille_!" Then she added: "If your brother's an artist I don't understand how he's in Parliament." "Oh he isn't in Parliament now--we only hope he will be." "Ah I see." "And he isn't an artist either," Biddy felt herself conscientiously bound to state. "Then he isn't anything," said Miss Rooth. "Well--he's immensely clever." "Ah I see," Miss Rooth again replied. "Mr. Nash has puffed him up so." "I don't know Mr. Nash," said Biddy, guilty of a little dryness as well as of a little misrepresentation, and feeling rather snubbed. "Well, you needn't wish to."