"Do you understand the allegory of this last tableau, Daisy?"
Dr. Sandford asked.
"I do not know what an allegory is, Dr. Sandford."
"What is the meaning of the representation, then, as you think of it?"
"This last picture?"
"Yes."
"It is a trial of skill, Dr. Sandford."
The room was still darkened, and the glance of intelligence and amusement that passed between her friend and her father, their own eyes could scarcely catch. Daisy did not see it. But she had spoken diplomatically. She did not want to come any nearer the subject of the picture in talking with Dr. Sandford. His mind was different, and he went on.
"What is the trial of skill about, Daisy?"
The child hesitated, and then said, speaking low and most un- child-like "It is about a human soul."
"And what do you understand are the powers at work or at play?"