He was a middle-aged man with a countenance well worthy of his own pencil . Indeed , by the picturesque though careless arrangement of his rich dress , and perhaps because his soul dwelt always among painted shapes , he looked somewhat like a portrait himself . His visitors were sensible of a kindred between the artist and his works , and felt as if one of the pictures had stepped from the canvas to salute them . Walter Ludlow , who was slightly known to the painter , explained the object of their visit . While he spoke a sunbeam was falling athwart his figure and Elinor 's with so happy an effect that they also seemed living pictures of youth and beauty gladdened by bright fortune . The artist was evidently struck . `` My easel is occupied for several ensuing days , and my stay in Boston must be brief , '' said he , thoughtfully ; then , after an observant glance , he added , `` But your wishes shall be gratified though I disappoint the chief-justice and Madame Oliver . I must not lose this opportunity for the sake of painting a few ells of broadcloth and brocade . '' The painter expressed a desire to introduce both their portraits into one picture and represent them engaged in some appropriate action . This plan would have delighted the lovers , but was necessarily rejected because so large a space of canvas would have been unfit for the room which it was intended to decorate . Two half-length portraits were therefore fixed upon . After they had taken leave , Walter Ludlow asked Elinor , with a smile , whether she knew what an influence over their fates the painter was about to acquire . `` The old women of Boston affirm , '' continued he , `` that after he has once got possession of a person 's face and figure he may paint him in any act or situation whatever , and the picture will be prophetic . Do you believe it ? '' `` Not quite , '' said Elinor , smiling . `` Yet if he has such magic , there is something so gentle in his manner that I am sure he will use it well . '' It was the painter 's choice to proceed with both the portraits at the same time , assigning as a reason , in the mystical language which he sometimes used , that the faces threw light upon each other . Accordingly , he gave now a touch to Walter and now to Elinor , and the features of one and the other began to start forth so vividly that it appeared as if his triumphant art would actually disengage them from the canvas . Amid the rich light and deep shade they beheld their phantom selves , but , though the likeness promised to be perfect , they were not quite satisfied with the expression : it seemed more vague than in most of the painter 's works . He , however , was satisfied with the prospect of success , and , being much interested in the lovers , employed his leisure moments , unknown to them , in making a crayon sketch of their two figures .
During their sittings he engaged them XXXXX conversation and kindled up their faces with characteristic traits , which , though continually varying , it was his purpose to combine and fix .
After because between by for in into like over to