He was silent listening to her reply.  She only answered part of what he had asked.  That was interesting along with her words for what she did reply. 

"Good point.  Nae everyone find all of my paintings bonny.  Some like some, some like none of them, some like most, some like few."  He shrugged.

"Everyone 'as their own interest in the various focus of the different arts and the styles.  I, for example, am nae fond of the photograph as an art.  It 'as its usefulness, but it is nae the kind of art that I find worth spending my time learning tae use the device.  Though I appreciate the skill some dae 'ave in capturing some scenes.  And the ability tae create a device of that sort is quite ingenious."  Though most were not alive to him as a painting or sculpting felt to be in his mind and heart.

He raised a brow at her statement that one had to have money to do something.  "That I disagree with.  Many 'ave done things without the means to be independent.  Aye, it 'elps, but some of the most amazing things 'ave been done by the poorest that put their mind tae it." 

He chuckled at her expression.  "A group I visit in London includes some very educated ladies that would agree with that statement.  Some of them disagree.  It is a very spiriting conversation."  He took a sip of the tea.  "I find the most interesting lasses are the ones that dinna 'ide their intelligence."  He gave her a look.

"The group I 'ave spent some time with are very involved with the Bedford College in London.  I 'ave met some back in Scotland that are involved with The University of St Andrews  in Fife."  He actually had donated to the school of arts there, but he had yet let her know who he was or that he was more than a mere artist. 

"If yu are indeed interested in the university, yu might find there are places and people of same mindset.  Some with 'elp of sponsors even.  When someone sees the right spark there, there are those that want tae see where that person goes with the inteligence they are born with.  I 'ave a few friends with just that kind of funds.  Much like the Greeks would do tae sponsor a poor lad tae gae study at the knees of the teachers."

He waved for the waiter wanting to take care of the bill and get another refill of the tea.  "Now though, there are places that it dinna require it tae be a lad.  Times are changing.  Some faster than others, aye, but it is changing and the smart people will accept it even if they are nae thrilled aboot it."  He shrugged.  That he knew about such schools allowing female students might indicate that he was along with those pushing for the female vote.