In response to the sculptor's request made at the Club when Ninitta's
name was first mentioned, Bently, when the girl finished posing for
him, sent her to the sculptor's studio.

She came a day or two later than Bently had directed her, not
hastening, although for six years she had shaped her entire life to the
end of meeting Grant Herman. She came into the studio as calmly and as
quietly as if it were some familiar place which she had left but
yesterday, and she greeted the sculptor with as even and musical tone
as in the old Roman days when as yet nothing had occurred to stir her
peaceful bosom.

For his part the man stood and looked at her in silence. Even when a
ghost from the past has appeared at his especial summons, one seldom
sees it unmoved, and Herman was conscious that his heart beat more
quickly, that he breathed more heavily as Ninitta let fall behind her
the rug _portiere_ and came towards him through the studio.

She had a dark, homely face, only redeemed from positive ugliness by
her deep, expressive eyes. Her figure was superb; rather slender, lithe
and sinewy, but without an angle or thin curve. Like Diana, she was
long limbed, so that she seemed taller than she really was. The sweep
of neck and shoulder was exquisite, and her simple dress was admirably
adapted to display the lines of her supple form. As she walked down the
studio, setting her feet firmly and carrying her head with fine poise,
Grant Herman felt the ghost of an old passion stir in his heart.

"How do you do?" he composedly answered her greeting. "You have
improved since I saw you last."