With his whole heart, therefore, he threw himself into the work before him, staying sometimes well into the afternoon on the days Miss Winthrop could find time between her social engagements to give him a sitting.
It was on such a day, toward the middle of the month, that Billy was called to the telephone at half-past twelve o'clock to speak to her husband.
"Billy, dear," began Bertram at once, "if you don't mind I'm staying to luncheon at Miss Winthrop's kind request.

We've changed the pose--neither of us was satisfied, you know--but we haven't quite settled on the new one.

Miss Winthrop has two whole hours this afternoon that she can give me if I'll stay; and, of course, under the circumstances, I want to do it." "Of course," echoed Billy.

Billy's voice was indomitably cheerful.
"Thank you, dear.

I knew you'd understand," sighed Bertram, contentedly.
"You see, really, two whole hours, so--it's a chance I can't afford to lose." "Of course you can't," echoed Billy, again.
"All right then.