"Somebody take this old picture and stick it back in the hole it came
from. I thought it would make a nice big doll, but I guess I don't
want her!"
"Oh, what a naughty thing for a child to do!" cried one of the ladies.
"That fine picture is absolutely ruined."
"_Naughty_!" cried Mrs. Harcourt, "no, indeed! As you say, the picture
is ruined, but Gwen has proved her love for Art, and her artistic
nature. She felt so attracted to the picture that she was actually
obliged to take it with her when she went out. She surely loves Art.
As I have always said: 'Gwen is a most _unusual_ child. She shows great
force of character, and I can overlook the _mistake_ she made in cutting
the canvas, because the act showed me another fine trait,--the love
of Art. I _do_ wonder if she will be an artist?"
The guests were disgusted. They wondered how any mother could be so
foolish as to think a piece of costly mischief showed either love of
art or talent, instead of wilful wrong-doing.
"Gwen is a pretty child," said one woman, "and some one who had sense
enough to correct her and make her behave, could train her to be a
pleasing young girl, when she is a few years older, but her mother
could never do that!"
"No, indeed," the other replied.
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