Winnie uttered an exclamation of disgust. “There now, you’ve spoiled it. I knew you would. It was just perfect, and you’ve ruined it. I’m sure I never want to look at that thing again. I told you not to touch it. Why couldn’t you let it alone?” and a half dozen other wails of the same order.
Professor Waite did not attempt to put a stop to her somewhat impertinent remarks. He was plainly annoyed, however, and when she had emptied the vials of her indignation, he replied: “I thought you would approve of the change, Miss DeWitt. It was a remark of yours this morning which made me realize that I had no right to paint Miss Armstrong’s portrait without her permission; that probably she would be unwilling that I should possess it; and as I would gladly sacrifice any ambition or pleasure of my own for the sake of not offending her, I have, as you see, painted in an entirely new face.”
“You are quite right, Professor,” I exclaimed warmly; “and Adelaide will be grateful for your consideration.”
At this juncture the girls trooped in and took their places at their easels, and Professor Waite laid the picture in the great chest in front of our door. The correction of work went on as usual until the latter part of the hour, when an ominous knock was heard at the door, and Madame, accompanied by Miss Noakes, sailed majestically into the room. Professor Waite bowed deeply and expressed himself as highly honored. Madame lifted her lorgnette and surveyed the class. Milly was posing in her despised Italian costume. Madame smiled kindly at her, and then passed about from easel to easel examining the girls’ work. “I do not know whether it is exactly the thing for the young ladies to allow themselves to be painted in this way,” she said, “though to be sure the studies are hardly recognizable as likenesses.”
“The young ladies have all asked the permission of their parents to sit for each other,” Professor Waite explained.
“For each other,” Madame repeated doubtfully; “but do you never make sketches of them also, Professor? A parent might well object to having his daughter’s portrait exhibited in a public place, sold to a stranger, or even shown among studies of professional models in your studio.”
“I have made no studies from life from any of the young ladies,” Professor Waite replied promptly.
Miss Noakes drew a long breath and seemed to bristle with anticipated triumph.
“I am glad that you can assure me of this,” Madame replied in her softest, most purring accents. Then she glanced around the room again and asked, “Are all of the art students present? I do not see Miss Armstrong.”
“Miss Armstrong has not honoured me by joining the class,” Professor Waite replied stiffly.