After John completed his education at Oxford he was at last free to adopt the lifestyle he loved best - that of an artist. He has enjoyed his freedom, but at last in his early thirties has fallen in love. Edith is also a painter, of water colours; and John has chosen to present himself to her family as she knows him - simply as an artist, omitting the fact that he is a very wealthy man. This amusing little story chronicles the parents' doubts and misunderstandings, leading to the very night before the marriage.
This is the final story in the "John R" series - see the link below for more information.
Biographical and other notes
Margaret Oliphant's husband Frank had been a painter, and a designer of stained glass. She always wrote with affection of the world of artists.
As the parents in this story did for Edith, Mrs Oliphant provided her two talented nieces with art training so that they would have a way to support themselves after her death.
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