Page:Maud Howe - Atlanta in the South.djvu/114

 "She wishes she had your talents."

"But she speaks four languages; plays the piano, guitar, banjo, and violin; writes a good letter; and sings in all the languages she understands, and several that she does not . . . These accomplishments are certainly valued in this community above any possible natural gifts."

"It does not become you, to whom the gods have been so generous, to satirize your less fortunate sisters."

"They have n't been generous. I have worked, and worked, and worked,—that 's all. I don't understand playing at art. A young girl whom I met yesterday told me she was 'very fond of painting in water-colors; it was such an agreeable pastime.' Pastime! Shades of Fortuny, pastime indeed!"

"It is true that our girls have too many accomplishments, and are little trained to serious work and thought; but that will come in good time, if it is for the best that it should. I like to see you at your work, you are so splendidly in earnest. I always come away from you feeling full of a new strength. You have been a living gospel of work to me, Atalanta. How the name suits you,—Atalanta from the North. You are fit to outrun all competitors in the life-race."

He looked at her and sighed. The old legend of Arcadian Atalanta floated through his mind.