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rooms kept his curiosity about the girl’s fate foremost in his thoughts. One might say that his curiosity and his compassion grew, were nurtured, by her pictorial presence. Miss Norris was obviously acquainted with many family members and relations, so he began to plan a means of convincing Miss Norris to discover Rebecca’s circumstances and whereabouts.
    He was not sure just what he would do with such intelligence, but he wanted to know so that he might contemplate her fate more exactly. Just as her troubling perceptions and techniques had come to frequent his mind, so now did her actual presence, or the memory of it, haunt his reveries in moments of leisure. Somewhere in the back of his mind he vaguely fancied that he might strike out to find Rebecca at an undetermined point in the future, perhaps months, or even years, from now. He could understand well enough his fascination with her extraordinary abilities, but he found himself less comfortable with his memories and impressions of the child herself. She had become in his mind like some bewitching creature met in an unforgettable dream.

Chapter 9
    A MESSENGER BOY CALLED upon Sanborn in his rooms one day in late autumn with an invitation to wait upon Madam Browne. His services were required once again, this time to execute a portrait of the grande dame herself.
    When she came into the familiar parlor, she immediately congratulated him on his ever-growing reputation. “My husband is away, traveling with the surveyor general on matters of timber and the law,” she explained. “But he suggested I give you this offer, and that if you find it satisfactory, we may begin at your first convenience.” She handed him a folded sheet of paper. On it Squire Browne had written a price, ten guineas, and made suggestions as to positioning and attributes.
    We trust to your experience to present Mrs. Browne in the best practice of English portraiture as to her womanly virtues and the quality of her person to be indicated in the drapery. But I would stipulate, if you would indulge me, Sir, that her lovely face be quite her own, that she wear the pink carnation indicative of marriage, and that rather than a bowl of fruit or blossom she hold a book of her choosing.
    Upon my return, I would be pleased to discuss with you my own portrait of the marital pair, assuming satisfaction and agreement to terms, etc. . . .
    Ten guineas was as good as anyone, save Smibert himself, painting in America was likely to receive. Sanborn was pleased to express his agreement, and they arranged for sittings to begin within the week.
    A T THEIR FIRST SITTING he did not mention Rebecca. Madam Browne remained affable if dignified from the first as she sat in her armless Lady’s Chair, accommodating her voluminous skirts. Her demeanor emboldened him by their second day together.
    â€œI have not seen or heard the young lady, Mrs. Browne,” he said incidentally as they conversed lightly on several topics. “So vivacious and accomplished a child is an adornment to the household.”
    Mrs. Browne paused a moment in her idle chatter, smiled at Sanborn politely, and with a movement of her wrist and hand only, so as not to disturb her careful pose, said, “Oh, yes, she’s a considerable adornment whom few forget, upon once meeting her.”
    â€œShe is well, I pray, madam?” He feared she intended to speak no further of Rebecca.
    â€œVery well, Mr. Sanborn. Thank you. Just now she is abroad with relations, so she has, as you suggest, not graced our household. May I place this volume on the table? My arm is quite asleep, I’m afraid. It would not disturb your progress?”
    â€œMadam, it is your comfort and ease that speed my progress.”
    She placed the book on a nearby oval table after taking up a fan to make room for the book. She twice moved her arms outward not unlike a roosting seabird, to enhance her circulation. Despite the awkward movement, the