human
If you please, my lady, whispered Grace to Valencia;
gpt
I wish the gentleman would not.
human
Why not?
gpt
Oh, madam, I do not judge any one else: but why should this poor perishing flesh be put into a picture? We wear it but for a little while, and are blessed when we are rid of its burden. Why wish to keep a copy of what we long to be delivered from?
human
It will please the children, Grace, said Valencia, puzzled.
gpt
See how they are all trying to copy it, from love of you.
human
Who am I? I want them to do things from love of God. No, madam, I was pained (and no offence to you) when I was asked to have my likeness taken on the quay. There's no sin in it, of course: but let those who are going away to sea, and have friends at home, have their pictures taken: not one who wishes to leave behind her no likeness of her own, only Christ's likeness in these children; and to paint Him to other people, not to be painted herself. Do ask him to rub it out, my lady!
gpt
Why, Grace, we were all just wishing to have a likeness of you. Every one has their picture taken for a remembrance.
human
The saints and martyrs never had theirs, as far as I ever heard, and yet they are not forgotten yet. I know it is the way of great people like you. I saw your picture once, in a book Miss Heale had; and did not wonder, when I saw it, that people wished to remember such a face as yours: and since I have seen you, I wonder still less.
gpt
My picture? where?
human
In a book--'The Book of Beauty,' I believe they called it.
gpt
My dear Grace, said Valencia, laughing and blushing,
human
Every one in their place, madam. I cannot help knowing that God has given me a gift: but why, I cannot tell. Certainly not for the same purpose as He gave it to you for,--a simple country girl like me. If He have any use for it, He will use it, as He does all His creatures, without my help. At all events it will not last long; a few years more, perhaps a few months, and it will be food for worms; and then people will care as little about my looks as I care now. I wish, my lady, you would stop the gentleman!
gpt
Mr. Mellot, draw the children something simpler, please;--a dog or a cat.
human
Well, said Claude,
gpt
I have here every line and shade, and she cannot escape me. I'll go on board and paint her right off from memory, while it is fresh. Why, here come Scoutbush and the Major.
human
Miss Harvey, said Scoutbush, trying, as he said to Campbell,
gpt
--
human
Miss Harvey, I--we-- have heard a great deal in praise of your school; and so I thought I should like to come and see it.
gpt
Would your lordship like to examine the children?
human
No--thanks--that is--I have no doubt you teach them all that's right, and we are exceedingly gratified with the way in which you conduct the school.--I say Val, cried Scoutbush, who could support the part of patron no longer,
gpt
Now, are you all good children? I'm sure you look so! said he, looking round into the bright pure faces, fresh from Leaven, and feeling himself the nearer heaven as he did so.
human
Ah! I see Mr. Mellot's been drawing you pictures. He's a clever man, a wonderful man, isn't he? I can't draw you pictures, nor tell you stories, like your schoolmistress. What shall I do?
gpt
Sing to them, Fred!