"Miss Cutler?"
"Very likely. I don't know either of the young ladies, but I overheard them in a street-car commending highly the portrait you had painted of Miss Cutler. They seemed equally pleased," she added with a smile, "with the low price which you asked for your work."
"Which she compelled me to accept, rather," said Vernon, with a curl of the lip. "I should starve if all my patrons were as bent upon a good bargain."
"Mr. Vernon," said Grace, earnestly, "I don't think you will have to paint another portrait at such a ridiculously low price."
"Not if all were as generously disposed as you," returned Vernon, gratefully.
"There may be others disposed to pay you a fair price. Indeed, I have persuaded my aunt to sit to you when my portrait is finished."
"How can I thank you for your kindness, Miss Dearborn?"
"No thanks are required where an equivalent service is rendered."
Frederic Vernon was elated by this second order, for he judged that the compensation would be equally liberal.
This was the case, for it was Grace who paid for her aunt's portrait. Mrs. Sheldon at first objected to sitting till her niece assured her that she wished the portrait for her own room, and wished the privilege of paying for it.