But Mrs. Falconer had engaged to execute certain paintings for a gentleman who had given a liberal order through a city agent, and she thought that the prospect of the institution, with purer air and more certain provision, combined with the hope of active usefulness, would prove tonic enough for the fulfilment of her promise.
Whatever Guy felt, he said nothing against Mrs. W—'s proposal, yielded to his mother's wish that he should attend the public school where she knew that honours might be won, and so passed a few weeks more in peace and patience.
Mrs. Falconer enjoyed her task with all an artist's enthusiasm, but she felt that her bodily strength was giving way, and began to fear for her interesting work, lest it should never be completed. One day as she sat at her easel, a faintness came over her, and when she recovered, Guy had taken the brush from her hand, and stood looking at her picture.
"It wants animation, Guy," said she; "if I am able to-morrow, I shall introduce a few sheep grazing here, and a motherly dame crossing my little bridge with a red cloak on and a plump baby in the hood."
Guy said nothing, but quietly put away the picture for that time.
And when his mother drew it forward the next day to pursue her work, there trotted a small flock of sheep in a dusty road, and a creditable little old woman in a red cloak was passing the bridge, with the plump baby crowing over her shoulder.
Maude came to look and admire, but she knew nothing of the stolen march of old woman and sheep, and suspicion could only fall upon Guy.
"Will they do, mother? Is your idea carried out at all?" he asked, when she smilingly taxed him with the addition.
"Admirably, my dear boy. I shall not think of touching them. I had no idea that you had such a correct eye, or such a skilful touch. Why, Guy, you must certainly be an artist!"
"I want to help you with the other picture, mother, so when you are tired, trust me with it a little while, and we shall soon have them all finished. Then with the money to be paid for them, you are to go somewhere into the country."