He began at once, and worked hard until breakfast, during which he could speak of nothing but his Stolen Child.

"A much better subject than Medora," he said, decisively; "there has been too much of Byron's heroines."

"Do you mean to throw it of one side?" asked Kate.

"Oh no, I hope to have both pictures ready for next year's Academy; pressed for time, I shall work all the harder and the better, Kate."

"Which will you finish first?"

"The Stolen Child."

"Well," said Kate, very quietly, "I have a fancy that it will be Medora."

"How can it? Miriam is away for two months, you know."

"Yes, but I have a fancy the sea-air will not agree with her," continued
Kate, in the same quiet way.

Cornelius looked at his sister with a somewhat perplexed air.