"I hope she will be," Jean said, laughing and colouring. "I don't think there is anything interesting to tell you about her."
"Are you still portrait painting?"
"Yes, I am making that my study, but I am working under a master still; I have so much to learn."
"And are you going to make it your life work?"
"I don't know. Sometimes I think not."
Jean's tone was a little wistful. She added—
"I want to be of real use in the world, Mrs. Fergusson. I want to help those who are in need of help."
"Have you many friends in your art world?"
"Very few. I had some, but they came to grief in Paris—or rather the wife did. And I never have cared to make any since."
"I should have thought amongst art students that there was many a chance of befriending those less fortunate than yourself."