Their personal friends were recognized at a glance . In most of the pictures the whole mind and character were brought out on the countenance and concentrated into a single look ; so that , to speak paradoxically , the originals hardly resembled themselves so strikingly as the portraits did . Among these modern worthies there were two old bearded saints who had almost vanished into the darkening canvas . There was also a pale but unfaded Madonna who had perhaps been worshipped in Rome , and now regarded the lovers with such a mild and holy look that they longed to worship too . `` How singular a thought , '' observed Walter Ludlow , `` that this beautiful face has been beautiful for above two hundred years ! Oh , if all beauty would endure so well ! Do you not envy her , Elinor ? '' `` If earth were heaven , I might , '' she replied . `` But , where all things fade , how miserable to be the one that could not fade ! '' `` This dark old St. Peter has a fierce and ugly scowl , saint though he be , '' continued Walter ; `` he troubles me . 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 XXXXX the room and had listened to a few of their remarks .
as at if in into of on that till under