'I do not know that there is any particular objection, nothing that I ought to let stand in the way of my studies. It was only something that Elsie and Cissy said. They said the men's conversation wasn't always very nice. But they weren't sure, for they understand French hardly at all—they may have been mistaken. But if the conversation were coarse it would be very unpleasant for me; the students would know that I understood… Then there's the model, there's that to be got over. But Elsie and Cissy say that the model's nothing; no more than a statue.'
'The model is undraped?'
'Oh, yes.'
'Really Mildred—-'
'That's the disadvantage of being a girl. Prejudice closes the opportunity of study to one.'
Mrs. Fargus did not speak for a long time. At last she said:
'Of course, Mildred, you must consult your own feeling; if it's the custom, if it's necessary—Your vocation is of course everything.'
Then it was Mildred's turn to pause before answering. At last she said:
'It does seem rather—well, disgusting, but if it is necessary for one's art. In a way I'd as soon work in the ladies' studio.'
'I daresay you derive just as much advantage.'