Page:An orchard princess (IA orchardprincess00barbiala).pdf/114

 "Oh, please!" she. whispered, tensely. "Just a moment!"

Miles drew back. Even Bistre, sniffing for attention, understood, and sat down to wait patiently for caresses. For a long minute the brush flew here and there in short, telling strokes of fresh, vivid green. Then the girl paused, sighed, leaned back, and, with a tiny start of recollection, turned to Miles. Her eyes, wide with fervor, looked into his for an instant questioningly. Then,—

"Oh!" she said. Down fluttered the white sleeves, a slim hand sought her hair, and in some mysterious way the white skirt dropped decorously to the ground. "I—I didn't hear you come," she said.

"No, you were very intent on your canvas." In spite of his efforts, his tone held a suggestion of grievance.