Plate I. Mrs. Hoare and Child Frontispiece In the Wallace Collection, London Page II. Nelly O'Brien 14 In the Wallace Collection, London III. The Three Graces 24 In the National Gallery, London IV. The Age of Innocence 34 In the National Gallery, London V. Lord Heathfield 40 In the National Gallery, London VI. Portrait of Two Gentlemen 50 In the National Gallery, London VII. Portrait of Lady and Child 60 In the National Gallery, London VIII. Duchess of Devonshire and Child 70 At Chatsworth House, Derbyshire [Illustration] There are certain men born to every generation who approach life with the complete assurance of distinction in any work that they may have chosen for the exercise of their gifts. They are strangers to doubt and uncertainty; they disarm Fortune by claiming freely as a right what she is accustomed to grant grudgingly as a favour--"they ride Life's lists as a knight might ride." One feels that these fortunate few are destined for success just as the majority are doomed to failure, that nothing save a long series of mishaps can keep them from the goal of their ambition. They have the temperament that makes achievement easy, and a steadfast determination that the demons of mischance cannot resist for long.