Page:Keeping the Peace.pdf/242

 better not see her too often. He thought seriously of inviting some other model to pose for him. And all that prevented him from doing this was the fact that he had promised Anne the first trial.

Finally he wrote to her and said that if she was not under engagement and still wished to work for him he would be glad to talk with her. He wrote this letter, mailed it and regretted having done so. She was a popular model, however, and he comforted himself with the hope that she had plenty of employment.

But she appeared at the studio before it seemed as if she could have received the letter. She was all smiles, eager to work with him on his picture and delighted that he had remembered his promise.

Perhaps she did look a little too much like a child, but she had a lovely golden brown coloring and was delightful to draw. She gave him his poses without the slightest difficulty or awkwardness, and the artist in him at once suppressed the man. It was not until she had dressed and gone home that his thoughts became once more haunted and troubled by her.

They worked thus for several weeks. Friends began to talk about Edward's picture and to bring other friends to see it. Many older artists came. From all these brothers of the brush he received praise and support. And throughout the Latin