d that the girl's gratitude was too real and too deep
for any troublesome self-consciousness to disturb it.

"Mr. Fairfield," she said, "I accept your offer with unspeakable
thankfulness. It means my whole career, and I assure you I shall reach my
goal. Of course, it is a financial loan, but after a year I shall be in a
position to begin to pay it back, and it shall be promptly paid. Do not
think I have unfounded faith in my success. I know what I already
possess, and what more I need, and though my progress to fame may be
slow, and take many long years, yet after a year's tuition I shall be
able to command a comfortable income in return for my work."

Christine's eyes shone with earnestness and steadfast purpose, and her
face seemed to be fairly transfigured. Hers was no idle boasting. It was
clear to be seen she spoke from a positive knowledge of herself, and
indeed she only corroborated what Mr. Hepworth had said of her.

"Put it that way if you like," said Mr. Fairfield, kindly; "we need not
talk now about repayment. Just go ahead and find a cosy, pleasant
abiding-place, and then, ho, for brushes and mahl-stick! And hurrah for
our artist!"

So genial were his words and manner that Christine caught his spirit of
vivacity, and responded:

"Hurrah for the Fairfields!"

So it was all settled, and Mr. Hepworth was more than delighted when he
learned all about it.

Patty gave a little afternoon tea for Christine the last day of her stay,
and though Christine would have greatly preferred not to be present, she
yielded to Patty's entreaties and did her best to overcome her shyness
and be a satisfactory "guest of honour."

"She's a beauty, isn't she?" said Roger to Patty, as they stood looking
at Christine while the tea was in progress.

"Yes," said Patty, "when she is talking to her own sort of people. See,
those are really big artists, and she isn't a bit afraid or embarrassed.
But put some society girls near her and she crumples all up."

"She'll get over it," said Roger; "and I say, Patty, you did a big thing
getting her here. For of course it's all due to you and your plucky
perseverance in that foolish scheme of earning your living."

"Huh! it wasn't foolish since it succeeded," said Patty, airily.

"Well, the success isn't foolish, but your first attempts were."

"I don't care; it was good experience. I learned a lot, and I'm not sorry
for my part of it."

"Not even the part that made you acquainted wi