interposed Mistigris, with an insinuating air, "and we are always
wanting to croquer beautiful heads. That's the origin of the
expression, 'She is pretty enough to eat.'"

"I was not aware of the origin of the term," she replied, with the
sweetest glance at Mistigris.

"My pupil here," said Bridau, "Monsieur Leon de Lora, shows a
remarkable talent for portraiture. He would be too happy, I know, to
leave you a souvenir of our stay by painting your charming head,
madame."

Joseph Bridau made a sign to Mistigris which meant: "Come, sail in,
and push the matter; she is not so bad in looks, this woman."

Accepting the glance, Leon de Lora slid down upon the sofa beside
Estelle and took her hand, which she permitted.

"Oh! madame, if you would like to offer a surprise to your husband,
and will give me a few secret sittings I would endeavor to surpass
myself. You are so beautiful, so fresh, so charming! A man without any
talent might become a genius in painting you. He would draw from your
eyes--"

"We must paint your dear children in the arabesques," said Bridau,
interrupting Mistigris.

"I would rather have them in the salon; but perhaps I am indiscreet in
asking it," she replied, looking at Bridau coquettishly.