As time passed, Philia almost entirely abandoned posing, and devoted herself to domestic labours. Evarne delighted in being looked after, tended and made much of, so she was well content with this state of affairs. As to Philia, she found herself absolutely happy in her old age, and was given to quoting imaginary passages from Shakespeare largely, to show that her first disinterested kindness towards her poor young upstairs neighbour had been as bread cast on the waters, which was now returning itself in the form of cake.
CHAPTER XXVII
IN ARTIST-LAND
One winter morning the monotony of the studio in which Evarne was posing was broken by the unannounced entrance of a young man.
Mr. Towning, the owner of the domain, threw down his palette, and greeted the newcomer heartily.
"Why, it's Hardy! Haven't seen you for ages, old chap."
"Up to my eyes in work. And I see you're hard at it too. Don't let me interrupt business."
Thus adjured, Towning recommenced his interrupted occupation, while his visitor stood by and scrutinised his labours.
"You're making a fine thing of that," was the verdict. "The colour scheme is delightful—absolutely. That touch of blue just there—splendid! I say, what a splendid model you've got."