Helen put up her hand with an impulsive gesture, as if about to speak.
Then letting her arms fall by her side, she turned to unlock the studio door, which by this time they had reached.
The bas-relief was still shrouded in its damp envelopes, which Helen carefully removed, keeping Fenton away, that he might first see the work as a whole, and not lose its legitimate effect by catching fragmentary glimpses as it was uncovered. When at last it was fully disclosed, she called him to her as she stood before it.
"By Jove! That's stunning!" he exclaimed, after an instant's pause, which gave him time to see it fairly. "Helen, you have outdone yourself! That figure is simply superb. I hadn't an idea you would come out so well. I'm wonderfully proud of you."
"You are more amiable than ever," she responded; but her flushed cheek showed that she was touched by his earnest praise. "For that figure I have to thank Ninitta's posing. She is an inspiration."
"But Ninitta did not inspire that splendid head," observed Arthur, pointing with his cane at the December, "and you evidently did that con amore. By Jove! It's Grant Herman, as I live!"
As he spoke he turned and saw Ninitta on the threshold.
"Shall you want me to-day?" the latter asked of Helen.
"What made that girl look so savage?" Fenton questioned as the door closed behind the model.
"She perhaps chooses to be jealous of me," Helen replied composedly.