that Mrs. Porter was standing a great deal too close to the masterpiece
to get its full value.

"You want to stand back a little," he suggested over the rail.

Mrs. Porter looked up.

"Oh, there you are!" she said.

"Yes, here I am," agreed Kirk affably.

"Is this yours?"

"It is."

"You painted it?"

"I did."

"It is poor. It shows a certain feeling for colour, but the drawing is
weak," said Mrs. Porter. For this wonderful woman was as competent at
art criticism as at automobile driving and first aid. "Where did you
study?"

"In Paris, if you could call it studying. I'm afraid I was not the
model pupil."

"Kindly come down. You are giving me a crick in the neck."

Kirk descended. He found Mrs. Porter still regarding the masterpiece