CHAPTER IX.
THE FIRST SITTING.
Two days later the young artist sent word to Grace that he was ready to give her a first sitting.
She was not long in finding her way to the studio.
"You have not delayed Miss Framley on my account?" she said.
"No, but Miss Framley has gone to Milwaukee for a week, leaving me at leisure."
When Grace, following directions, had seated herself in the required attitude, Vernon engaged her in conversation about books and authors, and each discovered that the other had a mind rarely cultivated.
Miss Dearborn's face lighted up, and became animated. She forgot that she was sitting for her portrait, and for that very reason, perhaps, afforded a better study for the young artist. He could not help, from time to time, directing glances of scarcely disguised admiration at the fair sitter. But of this she was unconscious.
When the sitting closed, she was surprised to learn that she had been in the studio two hours.
"I hope you have not found it very tedious," said Vernon, apologetically.
"On the contrary," answered Grace, smiling. "The time has passed quickly."