"Some of us need a dozen costly rooms for our background; some of us bloom radiantly in one tiny chamber," said Christiansen.
"Are you a poet as well as a critic, Mr. Christiansen?" she asked tartly.
"Mrs. Paxton inspires unsuspected gifts," he retorted.
Althea managed to get Jerry into a corner, where she gave him a bad half hour. Jane was glad to be rid of her. She quite enjoyed the others. She almost disgraced herself, when she heard Bobs giving Mrs. Brendon an elaborate and fictitious biography of their hostess. On the whole, the party went off very well.
"Mrs. Paxton, your husband is to begin my portrait next week, so we shall see something of each other at my sittings," said Mrs. Brendon, at parting.
"Do you paint here?" asked Althea.
"Yes," said Jerry.
"Can't you begin on mine next week, too? I could come the days Mrs. Brendon does not come."
"Better wait until we are through with hers."
"No. I want to begin at once."