"Indeed, I never refuse to help anyone, when I can, but really I prefer someone to be the bearer."
"Yes, but she has requested me to bring you; this desire comes from a dying human being."
"But, pray what does she know of me; I do not understand?" she asked, disapprovingly. "You might get yourself and me into a scrape."
"She has been a model for Robert as well as myself; you have seen her at the studio, and she fairly worships your beauty, your gentleness."
"Strange my husband has never mentioned her reduced condition. I fail to recall her," and she drew back with a sinking of heart; she wanted to do what was right, always.
"Oh, think again. I am sure you saw her when you and Robert came to see my 'Madonna'; I was working on her then."
"Yes, I do recall a beautiful girl who was posing that day. If it is from her, this request, I will go."
"Thank you, thank you; she will be so nearly happy, for she has never failed to speak of you whenever I have seen her. I shall never forget how she raved when she saw you, and a question she asked."
"What was that?"
