Jenny nodded. "He is to everyone, I think. Mildred's fond of him. He has helped her a lot with her poetry. I like him better than Mr. Darrel. Do you know Mr. Darrel?"
"I have heard of him," replied Frank, cautiously.
"I don't like him at all," said Jenny, shaking her head vigorously. "He's a great friend to pa and ma, and very rich. But he doesn't come down to see them," she tittered. "No, Mildred's the attraction."
"Does Miss Starth like him?" asked Frank, quickly.
"She says she doesn't; but, of course, he's so rich. But I would rather she married Mr. Jarman, wouldn't you?"
Frank was spared the pain of replying to this embarrassing query by the return of Mildred with the portrait, which she placed in his hands. "It's the picture of a negress," she said, "and the letters at the foot--"
"They are Arabic sure enough. Who is the woman!"
"I don't know. It is a fancy portrait, I suppose."
"Probably. Can I take this away with me for a few days to copy the letters, Miss Starth? I'll return it safe."
"Oh, take it by all means. Look, Jenny, there's beauty."