I had caught something of its old musty-parchment ideas, and the cricket-like manners of Harriet Hosmer rather troubled me.

It took some weeks for me to get over the impression of her madcap ways; they seemed childish.
"I went to her studio and saw 'Puck,' a statue all fun and frolic, and I imagined all was fun to the core of her heart.
"As a general rule, people disappoint you as you know them.

To know them better and better is to know more and more weaknesses.

Harriet Hosmer parades her weaknesses with the conscious power of one who knows her strength, and who knows you will find her out if you are worthy of her acquaintance.

She makes poor jokes--she's a little rude--a good deal eccentric; but she is always _true_.
"In the town where she used to live in Massachusetts they will tell you a thousand anecdotes of her vagaries--but they are proud of her.
"She does not start on a false scent; she knows the royal character of the game before she hunts.
"A lady who is a great rider said to me a few days since: 'Of course I do not ride like Harriet Hosmer, but, if you will notice, there is method in Harriet Hosmer's madness.