“Yes,” she answered, “I should like to go to Paris; the Louvre is there.”
“A very fine collection,” said Alcock, “I was much struck with it! Unfortunately all the best works of art are now either in collections, or so expensive that they are out of the reach of us Australians who have claims upon us more pressing. You saw the Picture Gallery in Melbourne?”
“Yes, I saw it. I think it is rather painful. I liked the Library better.”
“The building—the room, you mean?”
“No, I meant the books. I used to go and sit there and read.”
“Oh indeed?” said Alcock. “And what now do you think of the Picture Gallery here?”
“Alice,” said Mrs. Medwin, “you are not to say! I won’t have you say that the things in Sydney are better than in Melbourne!”
“Very well, aunt,” said Alice, “then I will not say it.”
“And now,” said Mrs. Medwin, “I want you to play for us.”