"Honestly, then, I should call it throwing money away to do anything of the sort."
"But if you knew that people who really know something about art considered it absolutely necessary for our future, for the development of our talents as artists, then would you let us go?"
"Competent judges to decide, you mean?"
"If you will, we've both of us faith enough in our calling, and in our future as artists."
"Well, that sounds reasonable enough, I admit."
"You will not accept Mrs. Rantzau's decision alone? She is well known, not only as a teacher of singing herself, but her husband had a great reputation as an author and art critic, so she's heard and seen a great deal. And she said the other day that the little seascape of mine up in the Art Society's place was excellent; the sky in particular was finely drawn, she said."
"I've no doubt she's a very clever woman. I haven't the honour of her acquaintance myself, but I must say I think a great deal of her daughter, in the office here."
"Oh, Betty's just the opposite of her mother—she's no idea of art whatever."
"No, poor child, I dare say she's had quite enough both of poverty and humbug."
"Really, father, I don't think you're justified in saying things like that."