{"left her work at home" = the knitting or similar hand-work engaged in by ladies while they conversed}
"Show us everything, Charlie," said Mr. Wyllys. "I befriended your genius, you know, in the days of the slate and compound interest; and, of course, I shall think it due to my own discernment to admire all your works."
"Of course, you are not afraid of my criticisms," said Elinor; "I don't know enough to be severe."
"People who know little, my child, generally make very severe critics," said Mr. Wyllys.
"When they know LITTLE, grandpapa; but mine is honest, humble ignorance. I know nothing at all on the subject."
"Do you remember, Miss Elinor, that Hogarth said anybody possessing common sense was a better judge of a picture than a connoisseur?"
{"Hogarth" = William Hogarth (1697-1764), English artist and printmaker.}
"Did Hogarth say so?—I shall begin to feel qualified to find fault. That is a very pretty group of children, grandpapa."
"Very pretty;—some of Miss Patsey's little people. And here is another, quite natural and graceful, Charlie."
"I never see my sister's little scholars but I am tempted to sketch them. Children are such a charming study; but I am never satisfied with what I do; a picture of children that is not thoroughly childlike is detestable. Those are mere scratches."