“Now, isn’t it sensible,” she interrupted, “for you to let me come--and get cured of my romantic nonsense, as you call it?” “I don’t need you any more. You only interrupt my work. And I’ve got a hard fight, making a career in this country. I----” “You know you do need me. The picture isn’t done.” “Why do you say that?” “I saw it in your face when I first came and spoke about the picture.” She had him there. The picture did indeed need several days more with the model. He took another tack. “It’s a mean trick for you to play on that--that fellow you’re going to marry.” “He and I understand each other,” said she with dignity. “Does he know about--about this?” “As much as is good for him. He isn’t the kind of man that can be told the whole truth. A person has to be careful, you know, and judge the character of the person she’s dealing with.” Her manner was so wise and serious that he could not but laugh. “I’m afraid Rix is--just a little deceitful.” “You seem very much interested,” said she. “Well, I’ll tell you all about it. Perhaps you can advise me better, if----” He put up his hands. “Not a word!” he cried. “I don’t want to know. I don’t care anything about it.” “Please let me say just one thing. If you’ll let me come----” “But I won’t.” “Oh, yes, you will,” cried she, looking mockingly at him, her head on one side. “You say you are devoted to your art. Then you’ve no right to sacrifice your picture to your vanity.” “My vanity! Well, I like that!” “Your vanity. Your idea that on acquaintance you are more and more fascinating, instead of less and less so.” “I can take care of the picture.” “Oughtn’t I to pose till it’s done? Honestly, Chang?” He could not lie when she put it to him that way. “Well, I will admit,” he conceded with much reluctance, “the picture would be the better for a few more sittings. But they’re not absolutely necessary.” “I have my right, too, Chang,” continued she. “We’re doing that picture together. I’ve got a share in it--haven’t I?” He had grown still and thoughtful. He nodded. “So I insist that it must be done right.... Have you noticed I haven’t once to-day said anything about loving you?” “For Heaven’s sake, Rix, don’t talk that way. It gets on my nerves. It makes me feel like a jumping idiot.” “But have I said anything?” persisted she. “Not in so many words,” he admitted. “But----” “I’m not responsible for what you may have read into my looks and voice, Chang. You know, you are so vain!... I haven’t said anything, and I’ll promise not to--to get on those shaky nerves of yours when I come to pose.” “That’s a bargain?” “Shake hands.” And they shook hands. “Now, I must go,” said she. When he began to get ready to accompany her she forbade him in a tone that admitted of no discussion. “It’s an hour from even dusk,” said she. “Anyhow, I’m afraid of nothing.” “I should say!” laughed he. “Because I’m not afraid of you? Oh, you _are_ vain!” “Till to-morrow?” “To-morrow.”