“You’re the only person who has ever accused you of genius.”
“Also I am the only person whose opinion is of the least value to me.”
Miss Price began to criticise what Philip had done. She talked glibly of anatomy and construction, planes and lines, and of much else which Philip did not understand. She had been at the studio a long time and knew the main points which the masters insisted upon, but though she could show what was wrong with Philip’s work she could not tell him how to put it right.
“It’s awfully kind of you to take so much trouble with me,” said Philip.
“Oh, it’s nothing,” she answered, flushing awkwardly. “People did the same for me when I first came, I’d do it for anyone.”
“Miss Price wants to indicate that she is giving you the advantage of her knowledge from a sense of duty rather than on account of any charms of your person,” said Clutton.
Miss Price gave him a furious look, and went back to her own drawing. The clock struck twelve, and the model with a cry of relief stepped down from the stand.
Miss Price gathered up her things.
“Some of us go to Gravier’s for lunch,” she said to Philip, with a look at Clutton. “I always go home myself.”
“I’ll take you to Gravier’s if you like,” said Clutton.