第144章 The Concert Garden Again.(5)

"Perhaps I can make a little inroad in your indifference when Itell you that I have spent several hours in my studio working on your picture,and that I intend to work the remainder of the week so as to have it ready for you Saturday evening."She looked up now with a face radiant with surprise and pleasure,"O Mr.Van Berg,I did not dream of your taking so much trouble for me.""That's a small payment on an old debt.What can I do for you while I am in the city,to atone for my rudeness?"She looked at him hesitatingly and wistfully a moment.

"I know you wish something,but fear to ask it,"he said,gently,"and I'm sorry to remember I've done so little to inspire your confidence.""Mr.Van Berg,"she said in a low tone,looking earnestly at him while she spoke,so as to learn from his expression how he received her request."Your kindness does tempt me to ask a favor.Please remember I'm acting from an impulse caused by this unexpected talk we are having,and pardon me if I overstep the bounds of reserve or suggest a task that you might very naturally shrink from as disagreeable.""I pledge you my word at once to do what you wish.""No,don't do that.Wait till you hear all.If when it comes easily and naturally in your way you will do a little towards helping me keep father the man he can be,my gratitude will be deeper than you can understand.I am studying him very carefully and I find that any encouraging recognition from those who have known his past,has great weight with him.At the same time it must be very unobtrusive and come as a matter of course as it were.You gave him your society one Sunday morning last June in a way that did him a great deal of good,and if I had only seconded your efforts then,everything might have been different.I can never remember that day without a blush of shame.I can't help the past,but my whole soul is now bent on making amends to father.I fear,however,my deep solicitude has led me to ask more than good taste can sanction.""Miss Mayhew,"said the artist,eagerly,"this is one of the best moments of my life.You could not have made such a request unless you trusted me,unless you had fully forgiven me all the wrong Ihave done you.I doubted if I could ever win your friendship,but I think I can claim a friend's place already in your esteem,since you are willing to let me share in so sacred a duty.I renew my pledge with double emphasis."He never forgot the smile with which she rewarded him,as she said,in a low tone,"That's better than I thought.You are very kind to me.But I'm staying too long from father.""We'll understand each other eventually,"he said gently."Now Iknow why tears were in your eyes before the symphony was over.""No you don't,"she whispered to herself.

As they took their seats by Mr.Mayhew he remarked with a smile,"Mr.Van Berg must have had a long budget of news frm your good old friend."Ida looked at the artist in dismay,and was still more embarrassed as she saw a sudden flash of mirth and exultation in his eyes.But he turned to Mr.Mayhew and replied,promptly,"Two pictures are growing out of my visits to Mr.Eltinge and his garden.The one that is for Mr.Eltinge contains a portrait of Miss Mayhew as Isaw her reading to him.I wish you and your daughter would visit my studio to-morrow and see the sketches,and if Miss Mayhew would give me one or two sittings,I could make a much better picture for Mr.Eltinge than now is possible,and I'm anxious to do the very best I can for him.""I would be very glad to come,"said Mr.Mayhew,and his pleased expression confirmed his words."Will a visit before I go down town be too early?""Not at all.I am always at work early.""Well,Ida,does Mr.Eltinge miss your visits very much?It's selfish in me to let you stay in the city.""He does indeed,sir,"said the artist answering for her."He talked to me continually about her yesterday,although I can't say I tried to change the subject.""Father,Mr.Van Berg shall not shield my short-comings,"said Ida,with crimson cheeks."I forgot to ask about Mr.Eltinge.To tell the truth,we were talking of old times.I met Mr.Van Berg here last June and I made a very bad impression on him.""And I at the same time made a worse impression on Miss Mayhew,"added the artist.

"Well,"said her father,with a doubtful smile and a puzzled glace from one to the other,"one almost might be tempted to believe that you had been revising your impressions.""Mine has not been revised,but changed altogether,"said Van Berg,decisively.

"Come,father,let us go at once lest Mr.Van Berg's impressions change again,"and her mirthful glance as she gave him her hand in parting revealed a new element in her character.She was not developing the cloying sweetness of honey.