"My love, that is the last thing I am anxious about," said Mrs. Fitzpatrick. "You do already much more than most girls, and most grown women. Whatever study you have pursued, you know thoroughly."
"Yes, to a certain point; but how much I have before me. There is such a pleasure in acquiring knowledge."
Mrs. Fitzpatrick was turning over her daughter's portfolio.
"Where is that beautiful drawing, Aveline, which I used to think your best? That part of the coast, near Sorrento, at low water."
"I have not kept it, mamma."
"Did you give it away, my dear?" asked Mrs. Fitzpatrick with a smile. For it was at Sorrento that Mr. Haveloc had been very much with them; and, during the progress of the drawing, as he was very fond of the art, and a pretty good draughts-man himself, he had often interfered, greatly to the benefit of the picture, as Aveline then declared.
"No, mamma," said Aveline, after a pause.
"Have you lost it then?" asked Mrs. Fitzpatrick, thinking it not unlikely that Mr. Haveloc might have stolen it as a remembrance of the hours they had passed together.
"No, mamma," said Aveline speaking very distinctly, but with much effort. "I destroyed it."
"And why, dearest?"