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 "else he would not be such a fool as to give away a Van Roon, even to a girl as nice and pretty as you are."

He had lowered his voice to a whisper of rare sweetness and carrying power. There was something about him that was powerfully attractive; at the same time, a look had crept into a pair of rather furtive eyes which was oddly repellent.

"Do you say you really have this picture in your possession?" His intentness when he put this question made June feel a little uncomfortable.

"Yes, it has been given to me."

"Could you let me see it?"

June hesitated.

"I think I could," she said, after a pause.

"Well, suppose you bring it round to my studio for me to look at?"

Again June hesitated.

"As you like, of course," said Keller, carelessly. "I was only thinking it might be worth your while, that's all. You see, I happen to know one or two dealers and people, and I might be able to find out for you just what it's worth."

June saw the force of this. She was in desperate straits, and this man had the appearance of a friend in need.

"Perhaps I will," she said.

"Very well," said the man. "When will you come?"

For a moment June thought hard. "I couldn't come before Thursday."

"The day after to-morrow—that'll suit me. What time?"

June continued to think hard. "It would have to be