Page 323 - the-portrait-of-a-lady

French or Italian commixture; but he suggested, fine gold
coin as he was, no stamp nor emblem of the common mint-
age that provides for general circulation; he was the elegant
complicated medal struck off for a special occasion. He had
a light, lean, rather languid-looking figure, and was appar-
ently neither tall nor short. He was dressed as a man dresses
who takes little other trouble about it than to have no vul-
gar things.
‘Well, my dear, what do you think of it?’ he asked the
young girl. He used the Italian tongue, and used it with
perfect ease; but this would not have convinced you he was
Italian.
The child turned her head earnestly to one side and the
other. ‘It’s very pretty, papa. Did you make it yourself?’
‘Certainly I made it. Don’t you think I’m clever?’
‘Yes, papa, very clever; I also have learned to make pic-
tures.’ And she turned round and showed a small, fair face
painted with a fixed and intensely sweet smile.
‘You should have brought me a specimen of your pow-
ers.’
‘I’ve brought a great many; they’re in my trunk.’
‘She draws very—very carefully,’ the elder of the nuns re-
marked, speaking in French.
‘I’m glad to hear it. Is it you who have instructed her?’
‘Happily no,’ said the good sister, blushing a little. ‘Ce
n’est pas ma partie. I teach nothing; I leave that to those who
are wiser. We’ve an excellent drawing-master, Mr.—Mr.—
what is his name?’ she asked of her companion.
Her companion looked about at the carpet. ‘It’s a German

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