Page:Keeping the Peace.pdf/232

 "Tell me this—are you going to be very, very good?"

"There's lots of work to do before I even think how bad or how good I'm going to be. But I'm still glad I've got the chance to find out. It's such fun to draw and paint."

It was as if they had met for the first time, had not taken a great fancy to each other and had not hit upon anything of common interest to talk about.

Edward asked about home news. She told him of county happenings, deaths, births and marriages.

"Seen anything of my people?" he asked.

"Only James—he goes everywhere, you know."

"Yes. He was always the dude of the family."

"Don't you think that perhaps there is more to James than meets the eye?"

Edward laughed and said, "Lots and lots."

"You don't like him. But I do."

"Truly?"

"Really and truly. You should hear him boast about you. Don't you ever feel your ears burning? That's James and I boasting about our friend and brother, the Heaven-born artist."

Still talking about James, they reached the arched entrance to the France et Choiseul. Here they waited until Mr. and Mrs. Ruggles came up.