'I've a water-colour box in my pocket and a block. Sit down there and
I'll do you a sketch.'
'And, while you are accomplishing a work of genius, I'll supply the levity, and don't you think I'm just the person to supply the necessary leaven of lightness? Look at my frock and my sunshade.'
Morton laughed, the conversation paused, and the water-colour progressed. Suddenly Mildred said:
'What did you think of me the first time you saw me? What impression did I produce on you?'
'Do you want me to tell you, to tell you exactly?'
'Yes, indeed I do.'
'I don't think I can.'
'What was it?' Mildred asked in a low affectionate tone, and she leaned towards him in an intimate affectionate way.
'Well—you struck me as being a little dowdy.'
'Dowdy! I had a nice new frock on. I don't think I could have looked dowdy, and among the dreadful old rags that the girls wear here.'