"Why, Billy, you couldn't hinder me.

You'll _be_ my inspiration, dear, instead of slaying it.

You'll see.
_This_ time Marguerite Winthrop's portrait is going to be a success." Billy turned quickly.
"Then you are--that is, you haven't--I mean, you're going to--paint it ?" "I just am," avowed the artist.

"And this time it'll be a success, too, with you to help." Billy drew in her breath tremulously.
"I didn't know but you'd already started it," she faltered.
He shook his head.
"No.

After the other one failed, and Mr.Winthrop asked me to try again, I couldn't _then_.