'Then you're speaking of things you haven't seen.'
'Of things that I've only imagined.'
The conversation paused a moment, and then Ralph said:
'Are you still thinking of going to Paris with Elsie Laurence and
Cissy Clive?'
'I think so. Paris is the only place one can study art, so they say.'
'You'll be away a long while—several months?'
'It wouldn't be much good going if I didn't stop some time, six or seven months, would it?'
'I suppose not.'
Mildred raised her eyes cautiously and looked at him. His eyes were averted. He was looking where some ducks were swimming. They came towards the bank slowly—a drake and two ducks. A third duck paddled aimlessly about at some little distance. There was a slight mist on the water.
'If you go to Paris I hope I may write to you. Send me your drawings to correct. Any advice I can give you is at your service; I shall only be too pleased.'