"Claudia, you must give me an answer."
Claudia rose, and joined her aunt and Morewood. She gave Eugene no further opportunity for private conversation, and soon after the ladies took their leave. As Eugene shook hands with Claudia, he said:
"May I call to-morrow?"
"You are a little unkind; but you may." And she rapidly passed on to Morewood, and with much sparring made an appointment for her next sitting.
"Why does she fence so with me?" he asked the painter, as he took his hat.
"What's the harm? You know you enjoy it."
"I don't."
But it is very possible he did.
The next day Eugene took advantage of Claudia's permission. He went to Grosvenor Square, and asked boldly for Lady Claudia. He was shown into the drawing-room. After a time Claudia came to him.
"I have come for my answer," he said, taking her hand.