Polly and Her Friends Abroad

Polly Brewster and her close friend Eleanor Maynard are setting sail for Europe, eager to deepen their knowledge of interior decorating. Accompanied by their teacher, Mr. Fabian, and a small circle of fellow travelers, the pair hope to visit celebrated museums and historic sites, using the trip as a classroom for their budding profession. Their excitement is palpable as they leave behind the familiar bustle of Chicago for the promise of artistic inspiration abroad.

On the ship’s promenade deck, Eleanor strikes up a lively conversation with the flamboyant Mrs. Ebeneezer Alexander, a newly‑rich Denver socialite. The exchange quickly turns to the girls’ ambitions, highlighting the contrast between high‑society expectations and the practical, creative work the friends intend to pursue. Their enthusiasm for turning a “paint‑brush and tack‑hammer” trade into a respected career fuels a spirited dialogue that hints at the adventures and challenges awaiting them in the European art world.