They had now approached the table , on which were heads in chalk , hands almost as expressive as ordinary faces , ivied church-towers , thatched cottages , old thunder-stricken trees , Oriental and antique costume , and all such picturesque vagaries of an artist 's idle moments . Turning them over with seeming carelessness , a crayon sketch of two figures was disclosed . `` If I have failed , '' continued he -- `` if your heart does not see itself reflected in your own portrait , if you have no secret cause to trust my delineation of the other -- it is not yet too late to alter them . I might change the action of these figures too . But would it influence the event ? '' He directed her notice to the sketch . A thrill ran through Elinor 's frame ; a shriek was upon her lips , but she stifled it with the self-command that becomes habitual to all who hide thoughts of fear and anguish within their bosoms . Turning from the table , she perceived that Walter had advanced near enough to have seen the sketch , though she could not determine whether it had caught his eye . `` We will not have the pictures altered , '' said she , hastily . `` If mine is sad , I shall but look the gayer for the contrast . '' `` Be it so , '' answered the painter , bowing . `` May your griefs be such fanciful ones that only your pictures may mourn for them ! For your joys , may they be true and deep , and paint themselves upon this lovely face till it quite belie my art ! '' After the marriage of Walter and Elinor the pictures formed the two most splendid ornaments of their abode . They hung side by side , separated by a narrow panel , appearing to eye each other constantly , yet always returning the gaze of the spectator . Travelled gentlemen who professed a knowledge of such subjects reckoned these among the most admirable specimens of modern portraiture , while common observers compared them with the originals , feature by feature , and were rapturous in praise of the likeness . But it was on a third class -- neither travelled connoisseurs nor common observers , but people of natural sensibility -- that the pictures wrought their strongest effect . Such persons might gaze carelessly at first , but , becoming interested , would return day after day and study these painted faces like the pages of a mystic volume . Walter Ludlow 's portrait attracted their earliest notice . In the absence of himself and his bride they sometimes disputed as to the expression which the painter had intended to throw upon the features , all agreeing that there was a look of earnest import , though no two explained it alike .
There was less diversity of opinion in regard to XXXXX 's picture .
Elinor Walter church-towers crayon day first gayer griefs self-command third