"I did not know.

Under the circumstances, this is exactly the thing.

Your portrait, in what is so frankly a costume assumed for the purpose, takes us out of the dilemma very nicely, indeed." "Why, that's exactly what I thought," she returned eagerly.

"And this is so in keeping with my real tastes--don't you see?
A real portrait--I mean a serious work of art, you know--should always be something more than a mere likeness, should it not?
Don't you think that to be genuinely good, a portrait must reveal the spirit and character--must portray the soul, as well as the features?
I _do_ so want this to be a truly great picture--for your sake." Her manner seemed to say that she was doing it all for him.

"I have never permitted any one to paint my portrait before, you know," she added meaningly.
"You are very kind, Mrs.Taine," he returned gravely.