IN TWO CHAPTERS.—CHAPTER II.
When Earle arrived at the De Lacys' house next day at eleven o'clock by appointment, he was shewn into the library, where he found Miss Stirling alone, busy at needlework. She looked so particularly feminine both in occupation and expression, that Earle fancied the soft gray homespun and crimson ribbon more becoming even than her evening attire. Both were slightly embarrassed as she rose and gave him her hand.
'Where is my sitter?' Earle asked, retaining the slim hand in his a moment longer than necessary.
'Oh! you might as easily catch quicksilver as Mrs De Lacy,' said Silvia, smiling. 'She is in and out fifty times an hour. I believe she went to get ready for you.'
'Meantime, I want to ask you a favour,' Earle said, busy with his apparatus. 'I want you to be so very good as to let me have a sitting from you too. I have a board on purpose.'
'But how will you get time?' said Silvia, her colour deepening.
'Oh, I shall have plenty, I fancy, while my legitimate sitter is running in and out. I will keep one beside the other on the easel.'
'I do not wish it kept secret from her,' said Silvia, with the proud honesty of her nature.
'Certainly not; but I want to have your face, if you will let me. I will copy it—for your mother, if I may. Will you give me permission?'
'O yes,' she answered confusedly, 'if you care.'