“I see most of the public exhibitions,” Peter told her. “I try to like them.”
Miss De Voe looked puzzled.
“Don’t,” said Mr. Ogden. “I tried once, when I first began. But it’s much easier to notice what women say, and answer ‘yes’ and ‘no’ at the right points.”
Peter looked puzzled.
“Nonsense, Lispenard,” said Miss De Voe. “He’s really one of the best connoisseurs I know, Mr. Stirling.”
“There,” said Lispenard. “You see. Only agree with people, and they think you know everything.”
“I suppose you have seen the pictures, and so won’t care to go round with us?” inquired Miss De Voe.
“I’ve looked at them, but I should like to go over again with you,” said Peter. Then he added, “if I shan’t be in the way.”
“Not a bit,” said Lispenard heartily. “My cousin always wants a listener. It will be a charity to her tongue and my ears.” Miss De Voe merely gave him a very pleasant smile. “I wonder why he wouldn’t buy a ticket?” she thought.
Peter was rather astonished at the way they looked at the pictures. They would pass by a dozen without giving them a second glance, and then stop at one, and chat about it for ten minutes. He found that Miss De Voe had not exaggerated her cousin’s art knowledge. He talked familiarly and brilliantly, though making constant fun of his own opinions, and often jeering at the faults of the picture. Miss De Voe also talked well, so Peter really did supply the ears for the party. He was very much pleased when they both praised a certain picture.