Page:The Yellow Book - 13.djvu/198

180 were to think of some quiet elderly topic, such as cats, or politics, or the lesser clergy?"

"Perhaps, if I were to think of nothing to say at all, you would like it better," cried Anna.

"Perhaps," said Askett, with a stony indifference.

"I may as well tell you," continued Anna, controlling her indignation with difficulty, "that whenever I am silent I have a most horrible expression."

"Never mind about the expression," said Askett. "That's my business, not yours. Sulk away as much as you please, as long as it keeps you quiet."

In spite of his want of interest in her and his utter lack of observation, he was considerably astonished when she sprang suddenly down from her platform, overturning the chair with a clatter, and faced him angrily. It was unlike any previous experience he had had with models, and he began to realise that there was something unusual about this one, though what it was he did not precisely know, and that the moment had come for him to deal with it. So he put down his charcoal, and pulled forward a chair and a box; led her gently to the chair and sat down on the box himself, and felt for his tobacco-pouch.

"Now, look here," he said, holding up his hand to stop her as she began to speak; "I know all about it. So, if you don't mind, I think we'll cut the first part. You've not been used to such treatment, and you didn't come here to be insulted. Very well; you didn't. But you came here to be my model, and I naturally expect you to behave like a model, and not like any other young woman who wishes to make conversation. Surely, that's reasonable, isn't it?"

"It might be if — if I liked being a model, perhaps. But I don't," said Anna, rather lamely. She had found her new Rh