"Elms were always considered dangerous trees, I believe," said Hilary.

Mr. Stone turned, and, seeing his son-in-law beside him, asked:

They rose from the bench and walked on....

The explanation of the little model's absence was thus stated by herself to Hilary: "I had an appointment."

"Mr. Lennard. He's a sculptor; he's got a studio in Chelsea. He wants me to pose to him."

She stole a glance at Hilary, and hung her head.

Hilary turned to the window. "You know what posing to a sculptor means, of course?"

The little model's voice sounded behind him, matter-of-fact as ever: "He said I was just the figure he was looking for."