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[65] 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.”

[65]

“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 

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