"How charming!" remarked one.
"Delightful!" replied another.
"Oh, if she would but sit to me!" prayed a third.
"Why not ask her?" asked the practical one. "If anyone can, you can; so remember that faint heart never won fair sitter!"
"Well, here goes!" whispered the cavalier, Mr. Val Prinsep, R.A., in the tone of one about to lead a forlorn hope, and he charged desperately across the gallery. He approached the fair stranger, and politely taking off his hat said diffidently:
"Madam, I am one of the Academy. Should you wish to know anything about the pictures I shall be glad——"
"Oh, thanks. I know a good deal about them."
"Indeed! Then you will understand how we artists are always on the look-out for beauty to paint—and—ah—hm—well, you see I—that is we" (pointing to the group) "were so struck with your presence that—ah—pardon my abruptness—we thought that if such a thing were possible you might condescend to allow one of us to make a study of your head—ah."
"Oh, with pleasure," said the fair visitor, taking from her hand-bag a neat little note-book, and opening it, she said: