None , '' replied Walter , examining it . `` But let me see . Yes ; there is a slight change -- an improvement , I think , in the picture , though none in the likeness . It has a livelier expression than yesterday , as if some bright thought were flashing from the eyes and about to be uttered from the lips . Now that I have caught the look , it becomes very decided . '' While he was intent on these observations Elinor turned to the painter . She regarded him with grief and awe , and felt that he repaid her with sympathy and commiseration , though wherefore she could but vaguely guess . `` That look ! '' whispered she , and shuddered . `` How came it there ? '' `` Madam , '' said the painter , sadly , taking her hand and leading her apart , `` in both these pictures I have painted what I saw . The artist -- the true artist -- must look beneath the exterior . It is his gift -- his proudest , but often a melancholy one -- to see the inmost soul , and by a power indefinable even to himself to make it glow or darken upon the canvas in glances that express the thought and sentiment of years . Would that I might convince myself of error in the present instance ! '' 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 XXXXX '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 .
Elinor Walter church-towers commiseration crayon notice sketch sympathy table years