re certainly
aware that I do not number you among the beauties of Alexandria. But
instead of the delicate, symmetrical features which artists need, the
gods bestowed upon you a face which wins all hearts, even those of women,
because it is a mirror of genuine, helpful, womanly kindness, a sincere
disposition, and a healthy, receptive mind. To reproduce such a face, not
exactly beautiful, and yet bewitching, is the hardest possible task, and
Hermon, I repeat it, has succeeded. You are the only one of your noble
sex who inspires the motherless man with respect, and for whom he feels
more than a fleeting fancy. What does he not owe you? After the bridge
which united him to his uncle and paternal friend had been so suddenly
broken, it was you who rebuilt it. Now, I think, it is stronger than
ever. I could not imagine anything that would induce him to give you up;
and all honour to your father, who, instead of bearing the insubordinate
fellow a grudge, only drew him more warmly to his heart, and gave us two
commissions which will permit each to do his best. If I see clearly, the
daughter of Archias is closely connected with this admirable deed."

"Of course," replied Daphne, "my father discussed his intention with me,
but the thought was entirely his own. True, Hermon's Street-Boy eating
Figs was not exactly according to his taste, but it pleased him better
than his former works, and I agree with Euphranor, it is remarkably true
to nature. My father perceived this too. Besides, he is a merchant who
sets a high value upon what he has earned, and Hermon's refusal of his
gold startled him. Then the good man also saw how nobly, in spite of his
wild life, his obstinacy, and the work so unpleasing to him, his nephew
always showed the noble impulses inherited from his brave father, and
thus Hermon gained the day."

"But what would have become of him last year, after the mortifying
rejection of his model of The Happy Return Home for the harbour of
Eunostus," asked Myrtilus, "if you and your encouragement had not cheered
him?"

"That verdict, too, was abominable!" exclaimed Daphne indignantly. "The
mother opening her arms to the returning son was unlovely, it is true,
and did not please me either; but the youth with the travelling hat and
staff is magnificent in his vigour and natural action."

"That opinion, as you know, is mine also," replied Myrtilus. "In the
mother the expression was intended to take the place of beauty. For t