called “Emily’s Castle.” This was the kind of place in which she must live.
That is what George had thought, and consequently he had put into this
building whatever he thought most beautiful in all the others. It had carved
wood-work, like the Norwegian church; marble pillars, like the Grecian
temple; bells in every story; and was crowned with cupolas, green and
gilded, like those of the Kremlin of the Czar. It was a real child’s castle, and
under every window was written what the hall or the room inside was
intended to be; for instance: “Here Emily sleeps;” “Here Emily dances;”
“Here Emily plays at receiving visitors.” It was a real pleasure to look at the
castle, and right well was the castle looked at accordingly.
“Charming!” said the General.
But the old Count-for there was an old Count there, who was still grander
than the General, and had a castle of his own-said nothing at all; he heard
that it had been designed and drawn by the porter’s little son. Not that he
was so very little, either, for he had already been confirmed. The old Count
looked at the pictures, and had his own thoughts as he did so.
One day, when it was very gloomy, gray, wet weather, the brightest of
days dawned for George; for the Professor at the Academy called him into
his room.
“Listen to me, my friend,” said the Professor; “I want to speak to you.
The Lord has been good to you in giving you abilities, and He has also been
good in placing you among kind people. The old Count at the corner yonder
has been speaking to me about you. I have also seen your sketches; but we
will not say any more about those, for there is a good deal to correct in
them. But from this time forward you may come twice a-week to my
drawing-class, and then you will soon learn how to do them better. I think
there’s more of the architect than of the painter in you. You will have time
to think that over; but go across to the old Count this very day, and thank
God for having sent you such a friend.”
It was a great house-the house of the old Count at the corner. Round the
windows elephants and dromedaries were carved, all from the old times; but
