It seemed to Charlie that in five minutes they reached Miss Charteris's studio; and she stood in awe and trembling, scarcely daring to breathe. For up to this date she had hardly been able to believe that any woman in the world besides Rosa Bonheur had actually painted pictures.
"I have brought you a new study, Miss Charteris. A romance and a small young woman."
"Well, Paul Darol! I don't believe there is your equal in the world for picking up the lame and the halt and the blind, and the waifs and strays. What now?" and Miss Charteris laughed with such a musical ripple that Charlie turned and answered her with a smile.
"First look at these, and then let me tell you a story."
"Very fair and vigorous sketches;" and Miss Charteris glanced curiously at Charlie.
Then Mr. Darol began with the story, telling his part first, and calling in Charlie to add sundry helps to the other.
"And so, you see, I ventured to try your good temper once more, and bring her to you."
"What shall I do,—paint her? She might sit for a gypsy girl now, but in ten years she will be a handsome woman. What an odd, trustful child! This promises better than some of your discoveries."
"Well, help me to get her into the School of Design, and make a successful genius of her. She is too plucky for any one to refuse her a helping hand."