"Of course I will. The truth is I have always thought of you as Bryan, as Jack and Frank always talked of you by this name."
His promise would have really passed out of Captain MacDonnell's mind if Olive had not supplied him with a great variety of drawing materials within a few days, which she had taken a good deal of trouble to secure for him.
But as a matter of fact she was really surprised to discover how much talent he had. But then Captain MacDonnell used to work for many hours each day, so that it was not long before his former facility came back to him. More than this, he discovered to his own surprise as well, that he could do a great deal better work than he had as a boy. Somehow the skill must have developed in him unheeded as he was growing older.
She came out on the lawn one afternoon and discovered Captain MacDonnell at work a little distance off.
He had evidently persuaded one of the cowboys to pose for him, as the man and his horse were standing in a picturesque attitude only a few feet away.
Olive walked over to them and stood studying the drawing until Captain MacDonnell turned round to speak to her.
"Why don't you say it is good?" he demanded boyishly. "You know I've half an idea it is."
Olive nodded enthusiastically.
"It's like Remington."
Captain MacDonnell laughed. "Not quite. Still I am getting on. But it seems to me you are neglecting me lately. I say, suppose you pose for me. That would be ripping. You won't be sensitive if I don't make much of a go just at first."