“She’ll do,” thought Patty. “It isn’t ignorance or inexperience that’s the greatest trouble; it’s just ingrowing shyness, and she’s got to get over it; I’ll see that she does, too!”
Mr. Hepworth read Patty’s unspoken thoughts in her eyes and nodded approval.
Patty nodded back with a dimpling smile, and Christine, seeing it, vowed afresh to gain the ability to do that sort of thing herself.
For all Southern girls have a touch of the coquette in their natures, but poor Christine’s was nearly choked out by the weeds of timidity and self-consciousness.
After dinner it was easier. They went to the cosy library, and the atmosphere seemed more informal.
Mr. Hepworth brought up the subject of Miss Farley’s work, and she was persuaded to fetch some sketches to show them.
Though not able to appreciate the fine points of promise as Mr. Hepworth did, they were all greatly pleased with them, and Mr. Fairfield declared them wonderful.
In her own field Christine was fearless and quite sure of herself.
She talked intelligently about pictures, and many pleasant plans were made for taking her to see several collections then on exhibition, as well as to the Metropolitan and other art galleries.
Nan and Patty exchanged pleased glances as Christine talked eagerly, and with shining eyes and pink cheeks, about her own aims and ambitions.