Elizabeth went over and stepped up on the stand. It was a rude affair which Mr. Kemp had made himself. On it stood an antique chair, over the back of which hung some draperies. It was a very familiar seat to Elizabeth, for she had spent many an hour in it. She established herself comfortably and began to talk about the sketches, but Mr. Kemp interrupted her. “You aren’t telling me anything I don’t know,” he said. “I want your news, not comments on my work. That will keep.”
Elizabeth laughed, and launched forth upon an account of all the happenings which had taken place during the few weeks of her friend’s absence. Aunt Eunice came in for her share of comment, so did Miss Jewett’s wedding, but the paramount subject was the scholarship.
After awhile she drew a long breath. Mr. Kemp stopped in his task of stacking up canvases and said: “Well, you have had stirring times. I certainly hope you will get that scholarship, Elfie, and if there is anything I can do to help just speak the word.”
“Oh, I suppose it is all in my eternal self,” returned Elizabeth.
“Do you by any chance mean internal?” inquired Mr. Kemp, squinting up his eyes as he held off a canvas at arm’s length.
“I suppose I do mean that,” responded Elizabeth. “I am afraid that is where my rock of destruction lies. Kathie is trying to help me and make me use right words instead of wrong ones, but once in awhile I do make a slip, although I am really making a superhuman effort to speak correctly.”
Mr. Kemp laughed. “I rather prefer the incorrectness, myself,” he remarked. “It makes you a much more original young person to have your own special vocabulary.”
“But if it should interfere with my getting the scholarship,” answered Elizabeth soberly.
“Oh, then, of course we must not encourage it. I tell you what, though, Elfie; when the strain becomes too great you come down here and let off your sky-rocketty speech; in that way you will be easing yourself and entertaining me.”
“I might do that,” agreed Elizabeth, rather glad that she could relax from her watchfulness over her speech. “Mr. Kemp, are you going to the wedding?”