temptation to put you in the picture was too much for mortal
painter-man!"

Janet's face cleared slowly.

"If you mean I'm different from the other girls, because I speak
differently," she said slowly, "I can tell you that it is simply because
I've listened and read more. I hate to use words badly, when they sound
so much better right. I practise, but I'm just a Quinton girl."

"Oh! I see. You have higher aspirations? That is why you wanted to learn
to paint?"

"No! At least, that isn't the real reason. I want money!"

"Great Scott!"

There was mockery and a new pleasure in the man's voice now. He was open
to revelation in regard to Quinton characteristics, and he sensed an
original type before him.

"You to tell me in this brutally frank manner that you want money! You
with _that_ face!"

A flush tinged the bronze of Janet's cheeks again.

"Yes: I want money!" she said defiantly. "Some get it by waiting on
table. Some feed you and wash for you. I cannot do those things, I just
cannot!"

"Heaven forbid!"

"But there must be some way?"

The frank, almost boyish tone disarmed the listener. His smile fled and
when he spoke the mockery had departed. His better nature rose to meet
the blind need in the girl's desire, and his artistic sense guided him
to a possible path.

"I wish you would give me some name to call you by," he said. "You have
mentioned Cap'n Daddy, am I to understand that your name is--is--"

"My Captain's name is Morgan: I'm Janet."

"Thank you, Miss Janet. I haven't a card, but Mr. Richard Thornly
presents his compliments."

The humor of the situation began to dawn upon the girl.

"We are all captains down here," she explained, "we each have our
captain. Mine is over at the Station on the beach. I'm staying just now
with Captain David at the Light, while I'm looking for something to do."

"Miss Janet, I have a business proposition!" Thornly folded his arms.
"I've had an inspiration. During the three-quarters of an hour that you
lay upon the sands, I saw you, not only as I saw you then and caught
you, but I saw you flitting through several pictures. I even named the
pictures, Spirit of the Dunes. I advise you for your own good, Miss
Janet, do not struggle to learn to make daubs! It never pays. It's hard
enough to make the best go. But you can help me, and together we'll
create some pictures that will set the town gaping. What do you say?"

"I do not understand."

"Well, sit for me