A pained and perplexed expression came upon Mildred's face and she said:
'Perhaps I shall meet a man one of these days who will inspire passion in me.'
'I hope so. It would be a relief to all of us. I wouldn't mind subscribing to present that man with a testimonial.'
Mildred laughed.
'I often wonder what will become of me. I've changed a good deal in the last two years. I've had a great deal of trouble.'
'I'm sorry you're so depressed. I know what it is. That wretched painting, we give ourselves to it heart and soul, and it deceives us as you deceive your lovers.'
'So it does. I had not thought of it like that. Yes, I've been deceived just as I have deceived others. But you, Elsie, you've not been deceived, you can do something. If I could do what you do. You had a picture in the Salon. Cissy had a picture in the Salon.'
'That doesn't mean much. What we do doesn't amount to much.'
'But do you think that I shall ever do as much?'
Elsie did not think so, and the doubt caused her to hesitate. Mildred perceived the hesitation and said: