"I didn't mean to intrude."
She bowed without reply.
"I'm going to make a study of you. It's interesting, that gray window, the rain and all."
He set up an easel and got a board ready.
"I've never known anybody to be as still as you are. It's a positive talent.... There's no sense in your doing your hair that way. Ever since the night of the pageant I have wondered how you could bear to make yourself plain. How can you?"
"My looks don't count. I have no time to spend on myself."
"Holy Ananias! hear this woman! Is she human?"
She smiled, not looking at him, but lifting her head and smiling into space. They were silent for a while. She felt his complete absorption in his work, this big little boy who half an hour earlier had sworn he would never paint again.
"You're work atmosphere for me, Jane Judd. I should engage you by the week, to just sit in my studio. How would you like that?"
"I would not consider it, thanks."