"What on earth do you see in it, Alma?"

"It's subtle, certainly, but I find that it has an inspirational quality. It excites my imagination - I can imagine almost anything out of such strokes and swirls."

Mr. Flowers frowned. "But without Art's expressive quality, its symbolism and import, I should think there very little to admire in it."

"Perhaps. Still, I can well imagine a story emerging from a pattern such as this, shaped by its contours and subtle coloration..."

"I remain dubious," he declared.

"Then listen."