Page:The Van Roon (IA thevanroon00snaiiala).pdf/134

 "Why not?" The eyes of the man were now fixed intently upon her face.

"Oh, I don't"

"Not enough, eh?"

She felt his eyes so forcibly upon her that she coloured hotly.

"It isn't that."

"What's your reason then?"

"I've not been used to that sort of thing."

He smiled broadly.

"It's only a matter of keeping still. Of course, I shall not press you to sit for 'the altogether' if you had rather not."

"The altogether" was Greek to June.

However, she did not confess her ignorance, but was content to make a mental note to ask William what it meant. And at the moment she did so the thought of William brought the Van Roon to her mind.

"I suppose you know a lot about pictures?" An idea was forming already in that practical head.

"Perhaps I know as much about them as some people," said the man, beginning to roll a cigarette. June could not help feeling that his answer was in piquant contrast to what William's would have been had such a question been put to him. It had a self-complacency which even if it implied deep knowledge was also open to criticism.

"What do you think a Van Roon would be worth?"

"A Van Roon!" he said, offhandedly. "Well, you know, that might depend on many things."

"They are very valuable, I suppose," said June, trying to look innocent.

"Very valuable indeed, at the present time. Pri