The Foolish Virgin

ÒMary Adams, youÕre a fool!Ó

The single dimple in a smooth red cheek smiled in answer.

ÒYouÕre repeating yourself, JaneÑÑÓ

ÒYou wonÕt give him one hourÕs time for just three sittings?Ó

ÒNot a second for one sittingÑÑÓ

ÒHopeless!Ó

Mary smiled provokingly, her white teeth gleaming in obstinate good humor.

ÒHeÕs the most distinguished artist in AmericaÑÑÓ

ÒIÕve heard so.Ó

ÒIt would be a liberal education for a girl of your training to know such a manÑÑÓ

ÒIÕll omit that course of instruction.Ó

The younger woman was silent a moment, and a flush of anger slowly mounted her temples. The blue eyes were fixed reproachfully on her friend.

ÒYou really thought that I would pose?Ó

ÒI hoped so.Ó

ÒAlone with a man in his studio for hours?Ó

Jane Anderson lifted her dark brows.

ÒWhy, no, I hardly expected that! IÕm sure he would take his easel and palette out into the square in front of the Plaza Hotel and let you sit on the base of the Sherman monument. The crowds would cheer and inspire himÑbah! CanÕt you have a little common-sense? There are a few brutes among artists, as there are in all professionsÑeven among the superintendents of your schools. GordonÕs a great creative genius. If youÕd try to flirt with him, heÕd stop his work and send you home. YouÕd be as safe in his studio as in your motherÕs nursery. IÕve known him for ten years. HeÕs the gentlest, truest man IÕve ever met. HeÕs doing a canvas on which he has set his whole heart.Ó

ÒHe can get professional models.Ó

ÒFor his usual work, yesÑbut this is the head of the Madonna. He saw you walking with me in the Park last week and has been to my studio a half-dozen times begging me to take you to see him. Please, Mary dear, do this for my sake. I owe Gordon a debt I can never pay. He gave me the cue to the work that set me on my feet. He was big and generous and helpful when I needed a friend. He asked nothing in return but the privilege of helping me again if I ever needed it. You can do me an enormous favorÑplease.Ó

Mary Adams rose with a gesture of impatience, walked to her window and gazed on the torrent of humanity pouring through Twenty-third Street from the beehives of industry that have changed this quarter of New York so rapidly in the last five years. She turned suddenly and confronted her friend.