"Why, there's nothing there," said Potts.
"Dear me, no more there is," said Mary. "I—I was entirely dissatisfied with it. You might just sketch it in for me."
Potts was accustomed to doing the work of most of the lady students. They used to let him do a little bit on each of his rounds till the thing was completed. He set to work on Mary's drawing, leaving her to finish being proposed to.
"And you really love me?" Mary was saying, while Potts was sketching the second plum.
"Can you doubt it?" Bertie whispered tremulously.
"Yes, I do doubt it. You have loved so many girls, you know. Oh, I have heard all about your conquests."
She thought it was best to take the bull by the horns, and her breath came thick and fast as she waited for the reply that would make or mar her life.
Bertie's face lit up with pleasure.
"Oh, but——" he began.
"Ah, yes, I know," she interrupted triumphantly. "What about that actress you are painting now?"