human
Red Chimneys.
gpt
Why these shyness? asked Patty, as he quickly closed his sketch-book at her approach.
human
Why these modest coquetry? Art afraid of me? Gentle little me? Who wouldn't hurt a 'squito? Or am it that I be unworthy to look upon a masterpiece created by one of our risingest young artists?
gpt
I don't want you to see this sketch till it's finished, said Cromer, honestly.
human
It's going to be an awfully pretty bit, but unfinished, it looks like the dickens. Let me sketch you, Miss Fairfield, may I?
gpt
Yes, indeed; but can you talk at the same time? I want your advice.
human
Oh, yes; the more I talk the better I work. Turn a little more to the right, please. Oh, that's perfect! Rest your fingertips on the balustrade, so--now, don't move!
gpt
Huh, remarked Patty, as Cromer began to sketch in swiftly,
human
Oh, DON'T move! This is only a beginning, but I'll make a wonderful picture from it. That shining white linen frock is fine against the gleaming, sunlit marble of the terrace.
gpt
All right, I'll stand, said Patty, goodnaturedly.
human
Now you can return the favour by helping me out of a quandary. Won't you advise me what part to take in the Pageant? As a matter of fact, I think all the best parts are assigned, and I don't want to be 'one of the populace,' or just 'a voice heard outside'! I want a picturesque part.
gpt
I should say you did! Or, rather the picturesque parts all want you. Now, _I_'M designing the Niagara Float. It's unfinished, as yet,--the scheme, I mean,--but I know I want a figure for it, a sort of a,--well, a Maid of the Mist, don't you know. A spirituelle girl, draped all in grey misty tulle, and dull silver wings,--long, curving ones, and a star in her hair.
human
Lovely! cried Patty.
gpt
And do you think I could be it?
human
Well, I had a brown-haired girl in mind. Your colouring is more like 'Dawn' or 'Spring' or 'Sunshine.'
gpt
Oh, I HATE my tow-head! exclaimed Patty.
human
I wish I was a nut-brown maid.
gpt
Don't be foolish, said Cromer, in a matter-of-fact way.
human
You are the perfection of your own type. I never saw such true Romney colouring. Pardon me, Miss Fairfield, I'm really speaking of you quite impersonally. Don't be offended, will you?
gpt
No, indeed, said Patty.
human
I quite understand, Mr. Cromer. But what part AM I adapted for in the Pageant?
gpt
If you will, I'd like you to be Maid of the Mist. As I say, I had thought of a darker type, but with a floating veil of misty grey, and grey, diaphanous draperies, you would be very effective. Turn the least bit this way, please.
human
Maid of the Mist
gpt
Yes, I'll take that part, if you want me to,
human
Hello, Apple Blossom!