I should have made it a year ago--the first day I saw
you, I believe!--but that, then, it wasn't in my power to make
things easier for you. But now, you know, I've had a little luck.
Since I painted Mrs. Millington things have changed. I believe I can
get as many orders as I choose--there are two or three people
waiting now. What's the use of it all, if it doesn't bring me a
little happiness? And the only happiness I know is the kind that you
can give me."
He paused, suddenly losing the courage to look at her, so that her
pained murmur was framed for him in a glittering vision of the
frozen lake. He turned with a start and met the refusal in her eyes.
"No--really no?" he repeated.
She shook her head silently.
"I could have helped you--I could have helped you!" he sighed.
She flushed distressfully, but kept her eyes on his.
"It's just that--don't you see?" she reproached him.
"Just that--the fact that I could be of use to you?"
"The fact that, as you say, things have changed since you painted
Mrs.
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