The academician . tudying the patternof the carpet. Then he suddenly lookedstraight at her and said— Yes; I am ashamed of myself forspeaking like that. Somehow, I alwaysmanage to say something you dont see —with a shamefaced little laugh—? you are so sympathetic ; one neverthinks of saying the conventional thingto you. I dont want you began Mabel eagerly; when Connies voice broke in— Oh, Mabel, do persuade Hubert to letus come and see his studio. I havealways so longed to see one ; and whatsthe good of having an artist brother ifone cant profit by his studio ?,! 4o THE ACADEMICIAN. Ma
The academician . tudying the patternof the carpet. Then he suddenly lookedstraight at her and said— Yes; I am ashamed of myself forspeaking like that. Somehow, I alwaysmanage to say something you dont see —with a shamefaced little laugh—? you are so sympathetic ; one neverthinks of saying the conventional thingto you. I dont want you began Mabel eagerly; when Connies voice broke in— Oh, Mabel, do persuade Hubert to letus come and see his studio. I havealways so longed to see one ; and whatsthe good of having an artist brother ifone cant profit by his studio ?,! 4o THE ACADEMICIAN. Mabel, who had a shrewd idea aboutHuberts studio, looked at him withoutspeaking ; but, rather to her surprise, heagreed at once, and fixed an afternoon inthe following week for them to come. Mabel got no word with him alone afterthat; but before he went away he gaveher a look, and a warni clasp of the hand,which seemed to thank her for the com-fort she wanted, but thought she had notbeen able, to give CHAPTER II. AN INVITATION. Come in. Hubert Durant uttered the words some-what impatiently, without turning his headround from his work, as if the intruder,whoever he might be, could have no in-terest for him. When the door had opened and closedgently, however, he did condescend to casta glance behind him, and, with an exclama-tion of surprise, flung down his palette andbrushes, and turned to greet his visitor, aman quite twenty years his senior. 42 THE ACADEMICIAN. I beg your pardon. I had no ideait was you, he said, with a somewhatnervous look towards his easel. Hard at work ? observed the new-comer in a deep voice—a voice whichwomen were wont to characterize as beautiful. Yes—an order, for once in a way ! said Hubert, with a contemptuous laugh. Copy of a portrait—family picture, Isuppose ? Exactly. Isnt it astonishing that anyone should want a duplicate of such amonstrosity ! Hm, hm ! said his visitor vaguely;and then, turning away from the easel andscrutinizin
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