She hardly breathed the final word. For a wonder, the poor creature she entreated found enough in it to move him.
“There,” he said, “don’t distress yourself, Sophia. I’ll work hot-handed on the picture to-morrow. There, I promise I will.”
“Thank you, Noel,” she whispered, so kindling, so grateful, that de Crespigny shrunk before her. “I—I won’t interrupt you any longer. It was like you, kind and considerate, not to blame me for breaking your rule.”
The room remained so still after her going that I thought he too had followed, until, stealing out presently in a panic, I found him seated in a corner, biting his nails.
“I had better go now, hadn’t I?” I whispered, half choking.
“Yes,” he growled, “to the devil!”
X.
I BEWITCH A MONSTER
On the following morning, going indifferently by the studio, where was a back way into the grounds, I encountered Gogo.
“He’s at work on the portrait,” he said, standing moodily against the room door. “He’ll be at it all day. It’s no good your coming.”
I tossed my head, vouchsafing no reply, and, singing to myself, passed on and out.