In a word , he will meet the best-instructed man among us on his own ground . Moreover , he is a polished gentleman , a citizen of the world -- yes , a true cosmopolite ; for he will speak like a native of each clime and country on the globe , except our own forests , whither he is now going . Nor is all this what I most admire in him . '' -LSB- Footnote 1 : This story was suggested by an anecdote of Stuart related in Dunlap 's History of the Arts of Designs -- a most entertaining book to the general reader , and a deeply-interesting one , we should think , to the artist . -RSB- `` Indeed ! '' said Elinor , who had listened with a women 's interest to the description of such a man . `` Yet this is admirable enough . '' `` Surely it is , '' replied her lover , `` but far less so than his natural gift of adapting himself to every variety of character , insomuch that all men -- and all women too , Elinor -- shall find a mirror of themselves in this wonderful painter . But the greatest wonder is yet to be told . '' `` Nay , if he have more wonderful attributes than these , '' said Elinor , laughing , `` Boston is a perilous abode for the poor gentleman . Are you telling me of a painter , or a wizard ? '' `` In truth , '' answered he , `` that question might be asked much more seriously than you suppose . They say that he paints not merely a man 's features , but his mind and heart . He catches the secret sentiments and passions and throws them upon the canvas like sunshine , or perhaps , in the portraits of dark-souled men , like a gleam of infernal fire . It is an awful gift , '' added Walter , lowering his voice from its tone of enthusiasm . `` I shall be almost afraid to sit to him . '' `` Walter , are you in earnest ? '' exclaimed Elinor . `` For Heaven 's sake , dearest Elinor , do not let him paint the look which you now wear , '' said her lover , smiling , though rather perplexed . `` There !
it is passing away now ; but when you spoke , you seemed frightened XXXXX death , and very sad besides .
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