wonderment how they were ever kindled; and that it was hard for Grant
Herman, at thirty-five, to understand how Grant Herman, at
twenty-seven, could have adored an Italian peasant model is not so
without precedent as to be wholly incomprehensible.

Ninitta had been a good girl, his thoughts ran, was doubtless so still;
her figure was enchanting, he would have been no sculptor had he failed
to appreciate that; he had been a boy, a foolish youngster to be
dizzied by a rushing of the blood to his head; but to make her his wife
now----

"Ninitta," he said, suddenly, breaking off from his thoughts into
words, "I am not well to-day: come to-morrow. Are you comfortably
settled in town? Do you need money?"

"No," she answered, rising, "I do not want money."

She went slowly down the studio without further word, only turning back
as she passed Bently's picture for which she had posed, and which had
been brought for the meeting of the Pagans.

"You have seen," she said, "I am able to earn. I have learned much
while I was bringing you that letter. Across the world is a long way.
No; I have no need of money."




VII.