`` 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 to death , and very sad besides . What were you thinking of ? '' `` Nothing , nothing ! '' answered Elinor , hastily . `` You paint my face with your own fantasies . Well , come for me tomorrow , and we will visit this wonderful artist . ''
But when the young man had departed , it can not be denied XXXXX a remarkable expression was again visible on the fair and youthful face of his mistress .
In besides for from like than that though upon with