But the Virgin looks kindly at us . '' `` Yes , but very sorrowfully , methinks , '' said Elinor . The easel stood beneath these three old pictures , sustaining one that had been recently commenced . After a little inspection they began to recognize the features of their own minister , the Rev. Dr. Colman , growing into shape and life , as it were , out of a cloud . `` Kind old man ! '' exclaimed Elinor . `` He gazes at me as if he were about to utter a word of paternal advice . '' `` And at me , '' said Walter , `` as if he were about to shake his head and rebuke me for some suspected iniquity . But so does the original . I shall never feel quite comfortable under his eye till we stand before him to be married . '' They now heard a footstep on the floor , and , turning , beheld the painter , who had been some moments in the room and had listened to a few of their remarks . 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 XXXXX the room which it was intended to decorate .
as at because before beneath for in like though with