'It's impossible to say who will succeed. I only know it is very
difficult--too difficult for me.... Women never have succeeded in
painting.'

'Some have, to a certain extent.'

'But you're not angry, offended at my having spoken?'

'No; I hope we shall always be friends. You know that I like you very
much.'

'Then why not, why not be engaged? It will give you time to consider,
to find out if you could.'

'But, you see, I've broken off one engagement, so that I might be free
to devote myself to painting.'

'But that man was not congenial to you. He was not an artist, he would
have opposed your painting; you'd have had to give up painting if you
had married him. But I'm quite different. I should help and encourage
you in your art. All you know I have taught you. I could teach you a
great deal more. Mildred---'

'Do you think that you could?'

'Yes; will you let me try?'

'But, you see, I'm going away. Shall I see you again before I go?'