“If only I had genius,” said Jim, “I would give up my days to the fashioning of the most absolute masterpiece that ever adorned the walls of Cheriton House.”
“You remember Carlyle’s definition?” said the owner thereof.
“Carlyle was an old fool.”
“That was always my opinion. And I once had the privilege of telling him so, and, what is more, the noisy fellow admitted it. Doubtless what he meant to express by his definition was the fact that Genius is perfect submission to the Idea.”
“Well, here goes for perfect submission to the Idea,” said Jim Lascelles.
He took up his brush and his palette, and gave a very deft touch to the vestments of Miss Perry.
“Do you like my new riding-habit?” said a perfectly ludicrous drawl coming in through the door.
Jim Lascelles made a gesture of despair. He kept his back turned upon the new riding-habit resolutely.
“Dear me!” said Cheriton, “Artemis.”
“Isn’t it silly?” said Miss Perry. “They don’t like you to jump the railings in Rotten Row.”