“My vanity! Well, I like that!”

“Your vanity. Your idea that on acquaintance you are more and more fascinating, instead of less and less so.”

“I can take care of the picture.”

“Oughtn’t I to pose till it’s done? Honestly, Chang?”

He could not lie when she put it to him that way. “Well, I will admit,” he conceded with much reluctance, “the picture would be the better for a few more sittings. But they’re not absolutely necessary.”

“I have my right, too, Chang,” continued she. “We’re doing that picture together. I’ve got a share in it—haven’t I?”

He had grown still and thoughtful. He nodded.

“So I insist that it must be done right.... Have you noticed I haven’t once to-day said anything about loving you?”

“For Heaven’s sake, Rix, don’t talk that way. It gets on my nerves. It makes me feel like a jumping idiot.”

“But have I said anything?” persisted she.