'You would be an awkward rival' (I thought to
myself), 'even to a handsomer woman than I am.' However, I
determined not to despair too soon, and made up my mind to follow
my plan just as if the accident of the girl's disappearance had
never occurred. I smoothed down the master-sculptor easily
enough--flattering him about his reputation, assuring him that
the works of Luca Lomi had been the objects of my adoration since
childhood, telling him that I had heard of his difficulty in
finding a model to complete his Minerva from, and offering myself
(if he thought me worthy) for the honor--laying great stress on
that word--for the honor of sitting to him. I don't know whether
he was altogether deceived by what I told him; but he was sharp
enough to see that I really could be of use, and he accepted my
offer with a profusion of compliments. We parted, having arranged
that I was to give him a first sitting in a week's time."
"Why put it off so long?"
"To allow our young gentleman time to cool down and return to the
studio, to be sure. What was the use of my being there while he
was away?"
"Yes, yes--I forgot. And how long was it before he came back?"
"I had allowed him more time than enough. When I had given my
first sitting I saw him in the studio, and heard it was his
second visit there since the day of the girl's disappearance.
Those very violent men are always changeable and irresolute.
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