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146 and I am happy to have you here with me. Is not that enough? We are alone in the world. Why should we be separated?"

"You will not always be alone, I hope."

"Do you think I want to marry?" he said, with a smile. "Nothing is further from my thoughts. I have not yet made enough to support a wife and child, even if I had ever seen the woman I desired to marry."

"There is time enough," returned his sister, quickly. "It will come. Of course I had rather stay with you than be in all the luxury of Aunt Jane's house at Boston. But, if I stay, you must promise me one thing."

"And that is?"

"You will tell me frankly when the time comes that you wish to be free. You say you could not support a wife at present, but you may choose one who has means of her own."

"Do you suppose I would live on my wife's means?"

"Live on them—yourself—no. But they would prevent your having any anxiety for her. With your genius, you are sure to make a very large income before long."

He laughed at her enthusiasm. "I wish I was as sure of it. The door of my atelier is not blocked by Astors and Vanderbilts, clamouring to have their portraits."

"It will come—it is bound to come," she said decisively. Then, after a little pause, looking up and watching her brother narrowly, "I want to know, Ally, what you think of Miss Shaw?"

"Do you mean as an artist?

"Well, as an artist to begin with; then, as a woman."

"She has decided talent, if she can ever be brought to