A ringing laugh made her tingle with indignation and disappointment , as she went to stand before Miss Cameron , saying in a tone of polite surprise : ' I have been told that I did it very well . I 'm sorry you do n't think so . ' ` My dear , it 's very bad . How can it help being so ? What can a child like you know of love and fear and death ? Do n't try it yet . Leave tragedy alone till you are ready for it . ' ` But you clapped Ophelia . ' ` Yes , that was very pretty . Any clever girl can do it effectively . But the real meaning of Shakespeare is far above you yet , child . The comedy bit was best . There you showed real talent . It was both comic and pathetic . That 's art . Do n't lose it . The Portia was good declamation . Go on with that sort of thing ; it trains the voice -- teaches shades of expression . You 've a good voice and natural grace -- great helps both , hard to acquire . ' ` Well , I 'm glad I 've got something , ' sighed Josie , sitting meekly on a stool , much crestfallen , but not daunted yet , and bound to have her say out .
` My dear little XXXXX , I told you that you would not like what I should say to you ; yet I must be honest if I would really help you .
art crestfallen girl grace love something stool tone tragedy voice