CHAPTER X.
A Cry in the Night As Conrad Lagrange and Mr.Rutlidge entered the studio, Aaron King turned from the easel, where he had drawn the velvet curtain to hide the finished portrait.

Mrs.Taine was standing at the other side of the room, wrap in hand, calmly waiting, ready to go.

The artist greeted Mr.Rutlidge cordially, while the woman triumphantly announced the completion of her portrait.
"Ah! permit me to congratulate you, old man," said Rutlidge, addressing the artist familiarly.

"It is too much, I suppose, to expect a look at it this afternoon ?" "Thanks,"-- returned the artist,--"you are all coming to-morrow, at three, you know.

I would rather not show it to-day.