'Don't be a pair of perfect idiots,' cried Susie gaily. 'I'm dying for my
tea.'

The lovers laughed and reddened. It struck Arthur that he should say
something polite.

'I hope you'll show me your sketches afterwards, Miss Boyd. Margaret says
they're awfully good.'

'You really needn't think it in the least necessary to show any interest
in me,' she replied bluntly.

'She draws the most delightful caricatures,' said Margaret. 'I'll bring
you a horror of yourself, which she'll do the moment you leave us.'

'Don't be so spiteful, Margaret.'

Miss Boyd could not help thinking all the same that Arthur Burdon would
caricature very well. Margaret was right when she said that he was not
handsome, but his clean-shaven face was full of interest to so passionate
an observer of her kind. The lovers were silent, and Susie had the
conversation to herself. She chattered without pause and had the
satisfaction presently of capturing their attention. Arthur seemed to
become aware of her presence, and laughed heartily at her burlesque
account of their fellow-students at Colarossi's. Meanwhile Susie examined
him. He was very tall and very thin. His frame had a Yorkshireman's
solidity, and his bones were massive. He missed being ungainly only
through the serenity of his self-reliance. He had high cheek-bones and
a long, lean face. His nose and mouth were large, and his skin was