“It is rather an unusually fascinating one,” Myrtilus asserted resolutely.  “I have no idea of flattering you, and you are certainly aware that I do not number you among the beauties of Alexandria.  But instead of the delicate, symmetrical features which artists need, the gods bestowed upon you a face which wins all hearts, even those of women, because it is a mirror of genuine, helpful, womanly kindness, a sincere disposition, and a healthy, receptive mind.  To reproduce such a face, not exactly beautiful, and yet bewitching, is the hardest possible task, and Hermon, I repeat it, has succeeded.  You are the only one of your noble sex who inspires the motherless man with respect, and for whom he feels more than a fleeting fancy.  What does he not owe you?  After the bridge which united him to his uncle and paternal friend had been so suddenly broken, it was you who rebuilt it.  Now, I think, it is stronger than ever.  I could not imagine anything that would induce him to give you up; and all honour to your father, who, instead of bearing the insubordinate fellow a grudge, only drew him more warmly to his heart, and gave us two commissions which will permit each to do his best.  If I see clearly, the daughter of Archias is closely connected with this admirable deed.”

“Of course,” replied Daphne, “my father discussed his intention with me, but the thought was entirely his own.  True, Hermon’s Street-Boy eating Figs was not exactly according to his taste, but it pleased him better than his former works, and I agree with Euphranor, it is remarkably true to nature.  My father perceived this too.  Besides, he is a merchant who sets a high value upon what he has earned, and Hermon’s refusal of his gold startled him.  Then the good man also saw how nobly, in spite of his wild life, his obstinacy, and the work so unpleasing to him, his nephew always showed the noble impulses inherited from his brave father, and thus Hermon gained the day.”

“But what would have become of him last year, after the mortifying rejection of his model of The Happy Return Home for the harbour of Eunostus,” asked Myrtilus, “if you and your encouragement had not cheered him?”

“That verdict, too, was abominable!” exclaimed Daphne indignantly.  “The mother opening her arms to the returning son was unlovely, it is true, and did not please me either; but the youth with the travelling hat and staff is magnificent in his vigour and natural action.”

“That opinion, as you know, is mine also,” replied Myrtilus.  “In the mother the expression was intended to take the place of beauty.  For the returning son, as well as for the fig-eater, he found a suitable model.  True, the best was at his disposal for his Demeter.”

Here he hesitated; but Daphne so urgently asked to know what he, who had already denied her admission to the studios, was now again withholding from her, that, smiling indulgently, he added:  “Then I must probably consent to tell in advance the secret with which you were to be surprised.  Before him, as well as before me, hovered—­since you wish to know it—­in Alexandria, when we first began to model the head of the goddess, a certain charming face which is as dear to one as to the other.”