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The models are Poppy Low and the artist's sister, Margaret. This is a vibrant and arresting conversation piece which shows the Japanese influence of the Aesthetic Movement. All things Japanese were very popular in Scotland in the early part of the twentieth century. A conversation piece typically shows a portrait group in a domestic or landscape setting, engaged in conversation or a social activity of a peaceful nature. The viewer comes across the scene at a point of psychological tension where the last card is to be placed on the house of cards being carefully built by the woman in the foreground. Will it all fall down? The other woman sits quietly watching. In her hand is a fan, one flick of her wrist and the house of cards could all come tumbling down.