''"Words between me and Mr. D'Arcy? What do you mean?" I asked.
'"He seems very much upset, miss, about something. He is not at his easel, but keeps walking about the studio, and every now and then he asks where you are. I'm sure he used to dote on you when you were a child, miss."
'"When I was a child?" I said, laughing. "But I see what it is. I have been very neglectful. I promised to go into the studio to see the pictures, and he is, of course, impatient at my keeping him waiting. I will go to him at once," and I went.
'When I entered the studio he turned quickly round and said,
'"Well?"
'"You were so kind," I said, "as to invite me to see your treasures."
'"To be sure," he said. "I thought you came to give your decision."
'He then showed me the curious divan upon which I had rested the day before, and explained to me the meaning of the carved designs.'
VIII
Winifred described the designs on the divan so vividly that I could almost see them. But what interested me was the painter, not his surroundings; and she now seemed to grow weary of talking about herself.