Then here we'll stay, please. Once for all,
I bar all artists,—great and small!
From now until we go in June
I shall hear nothing but this tune:—
Whether I like Long's "Vashti," or
Like Leslie's "Naughty Kitty" more;
With all that critics, right or wrong,
Have said of Leslie and of Long....
No. If you value my esteem,
I beg you'll take another theme;
Paint me some pictures, if you will,
But spare me these, for good and ill....
Hugh.
"Paint you some pictures!" Come, that's kind!
You know I'm nearly colour-blind.
Helen.
Paint then, in words. You did before;
Scenes at—where was it? Dustypoor?
You know....
Hugh (with an inspiration).
Helen.
But mind they're pretty
Not "hog hunts." ...
Hugh.