Page:A fool in spots (IA foolinspots00riveiala).pdf/54

 "It is very plain," she pouted. "Don't you remember I had told you I was going to have my portrait made for Mrs. Stanhope on her birthday. That doesn't come just yet, in fact it is three months off, but you know we are going to 'Frisco' for the winter, and there isn't much time to lose; I have been busy two months making preparations."

"What! Are you going, too? I was thinking a foolish thought," he sighed. "I was thinking maybe you would remain here while they were away."

"Not for anything; I have been planning and looking forward to this trip a whole year." She seemed perfectly elated at the thought.

"There is nothing to induce you to remain?"

"Nothing," she answered, with emphasis.

"I have an aunt with whom you could stay, and we could learn much of each other. Do stay," he insisted.

"I must go, though I shall not forget you in the 'winter of our content.'"

"That's very kind, I am sure, but I have set my heart on seeing you during the entire season, for Milburn, poor boy, is so hard at work he will not intrude upon my time often. Besides, he is getting careless of late—doesn't want society. The fact is, I believe he is profoundly discouraged. This work of art is a slow and tedious one. But he keeps on