P. G. Wodehouse

“ You didn't see the comments of the Press on my last year's Academy picture, then?"
"No. Did you?"
"No. That, however, was simply because there was no such picture. Painting, however, is a game which two can play at. Do you know what my initials are? R. A."
"Well?"
"Well, if that is not an omen, what is an omen? Tell me that. Now, look here, Marjorie, we are going to make a sporting bargain. We will each paint a picture for the Academy this year, and whoever paints the better one has his or her (it is not likely to be her) way in the matter. Do you agree?" ”

“ She is supposed to be waiting for a gentleman to whom she is devotedly attached. He is at present not in sight. But in one corner of the canvas an angel form, in whom the acute observer will readily recognise Fame, heralds his approach with a few notes from a gold trumpet. An expression of intense but natural gratification shines on the face of the beautiful young lady. ”

“ Another long silence.
"We'll take to photography," I said at last thoughtfully. "Share the same camera and develop off the same plate."
Marjorie sat up suddenly.
"Do you know," she said, "I don't mind so very, very much about the picture. I never did think very highly of the Academy. You know, it's so—so——"
"Yes, isn't it?" I said. "Exactly what I have always thought about it. Don't move."
She did not move.
This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published before January 1, 1929. ”