"That is what is the matter with all of you," said Strong. "There are Wharton and Esther at it again, quarreling about Catherine's head. Every body disputes about her head, and I am the only one who goes for her heart."
"Mr. Wharton is so stern," pleaded Esther in defense against the charge of quarreling. "A hundred times he has told me that I can't draw; he should have made me learn when he undertook to teach me."
"You might learn more easily now, if you would be patient about it," said Wharton. "You have too much quickness and not enough knowledge."
"I think Mr. Hazard turns his compliments better than you," said Esther. "After one of your speeches I have to catch my breath and think what it means."
"I mean that you ought to be a professional," replied Wharton.
"But if I were able to be a professional, do you think I would be an amateur?" asked Esther. "No! I would decorate a church."
"If that is all your ambition, do it now!" said Wharton. "Come and help me to finish St. John's. I have half a dozen workmen there who are certainly not so good as you."
"What will you give me to do?" asked she.
"I will engage you to paint, under my direction, a large female figure on the transept wall. There are four vacant spaces for which I have made only rough drawings, and you can try your hand on whichever you prefer. You shall be paid like the other artists, and you will find some other women employed there, to keep you company."
"Let me choose the subject," said Mr. Hazard. "I think I have a voice in the matter."