mustn't feel hurt. I have to live by my work, and I have to get as much
as I can for it--"

"That's what I say. I don't want to beat you down on it. I'll give you
whatever you think is right. It's my money, and my husband feels just as
I do about it," she urged.

"You don't quite understand," he said, gently. "I expect to have an
exhibition of my pictures in Boston this fall, and I hope to get two or
three hundred dollars for Lion's Head."

"I've been a proper fool," cried the woman, and she drew in a long
breath.

"Oh, don't mind," he begged; "it's all right. I've never had any offer
for a picture that I'd rather take than yours. I know the thing can't be
altogether bad after what you've said. And I'll tell you what! I'll have
it photographed when I get to Boston, and I'll send you a photograph of
it."

"How much will that be?" Mrs. Durgin asked, as if taught caution by her
offer for the painting.

"Nothing. And if you'll accept it and hang it up here somewhere I shall
be very glad."

"Thank you," said Mrs. Durgin, and the meekness, the wounded pride, he
fancied in her, touched him.

He did not know at first how to break the silence which she let follow