Fergus Hume 
A Son of Perdition 

‘How can any one hope to transfer that to canvas?’ asked the artist, surveying the many-coloured earth and sky and sea with despairing eyes.
‘Easily enough, ‘ replied the girl at his elbow, ‘those who see twice as vividly as others, can make others see once as vividly as they do. That is what we call genius.’
‘A large word for my small capabilities, Miss Enistor. Am I a genius?’
‘Ask yourself, Mr. Hardwick, for none other than yourself can answer truly.’