“Oh, yes, always. He and my father were students together in Spain, and Daddy always called him Don Pedro, which is what I call him. Where did you learn to do those dances?”
“Down on de Easte’n Sho. Das whar I comes from, chile. Is you a dancer, Sis’ Cronette?”
Ellen laughed. “I used to be, but since I have been living in Marshville I haven’t had much chance to do anything so frivolous. My cousin with whom I live believes in making me practical. The utilitarian alone appeals to her.”
“So Useful is your front name.”
“Exactly: Useful Ellen.”
“I like Cronette better. Say, I’d like mighty well to paint you. Can you give me a chance? Your coloring goes to my head. Will you sit for me?”
“I’m afraid I can’t during these holidays. You see I am visiting Mrs. Austin, and she has planned out all sorts of things for me to do while I am here. You’d better ask her.”
“So I do, Sis’ Cronette, an’ efen it please her sagacity, I sho mek a little one o’ dese yer studies.”
“You are an artist, then?”
“Trying to be. I goes to de League, an’ some o’ dese days I’se gwine to Eu’ope. Yuh been to Eu’ope, Sis’ Cronette?”