"One does not change much in essentials," Mrs. Chudleigh answered thoughtfully. "But what would you have different? It is a good and very likeable face."
"There is a hint of weakness; something that suggests a too sensitive disposition." The Colonel pointed to an officer in the old East India Company's uniform whose expression was grim and arrogant. "A crude piece of work, but he has the Challoner look."
"It may sound presumptuous, but I think you are scarcely doing the family justice. One can see the salient characteristics of the male line in this example, but they're too strongly marked. Good qualities, such as resolution and courage, may degenerate through being developed to exaggeration at the expense of others, and after all Captain Challoner strikes me as a much finer type. I'm afraid you undervalue the gift of imagination."
"These others," said Challoner, indicating the portraits generally, "had imagination enough to do their duty, often in difficult situations. I don't know that one needs much more."
"A stern doctrine; it seems to bar out a good deal of the beauty and joy of life. But I see some landscapes yonder."
She led him up to several small impressionist sketches in water-colour of Indian subjects, and stopped in admiration.
"These are very good. I know the country, and they make you realise what it is like. There is genius here."
"My son did them," said Challoner with dry amusement. "I can see their cleverness, but I'll admit that I think them rather a waste of time."
"A shocking view. Would you sooner have had him study his drill book or attend a kit inspection?"
"On the whole, I believe so. It would be more in line with his profession."