Leon walked up to
the pictures and represented the part of a connoisseur before each
in turn, with his usual dramatic insight and force. The master of
the house, as if irresistibly attracted, followed him from canvas
to canvas with the lamp. Elvira was led directly to the fire,
where she proceeded to warm herself, while Stubbs stood in the
middle of the floor and followed the proceedings of Leon with mild
astonishment in his eyes.
"You should see them by daylight," said the artist.
"I promise myself that pleasure," said Leon. "You possess, sir, if
you will permit me an observation, the art of composition to a T."
"You are very good," returned the other. "But should you not draw
nearer to the fire?"
"With all my heart," said Leon.
And the whole party was soon gathered at the table over a hasty and
not an elegant cold supper, washed down with the least of small
wines. Nobody liked the meal, but nobody complained; they put a
good face upon it, one and all, and made a great clattering of
knives and forks. To see Leon eating a single cold sausage was to
see a triumph; by the time he had done he had got through as much
pantomime as would have sufficed for a baron of beef, and he had
the relaxed expression of the over-eaten.
As Elvira had naturally taken a place by the side of Leon, and
Stubbs as naturally, although I believe unconsciously, by the side
of Elvira, the host and hostess were left together.
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