But we forget them only because they vanish . It is the idea of duration -- of earthly immortality -- that gives such a mysterious interest to our own portraits . Walter and Elinor were not insensible to this feeling , and hastened to the painter 's room punctually at the appointed hour to meet those pictured shapes which were to be their representatives with posterity . The sunshine flashed after them into the apartment , but left it somewhat gloomy as they closed the door . Their eyes were immediately attracted to their portraits , which rested against the farthest wall of the room . At the first glance through the dim light and the distance , seeing themselves in precisely their natural attitudes and with all the air that they recognized so well , they uttered a simultaneous exclamation of delight . `` There we stand , '' cried Walter , enthusiastically , `` fixed in sunshine for ever . No dark passions can gather on our faces . '' `` No , '' said Elinor , more calmly ; `` no dreary change can sadden us . '' This was said while they were approaching and had yet gained only an imperfect view of the pictures . The painter , after saluting them , busied himself at a table in completing a crayon sketch , leaving his visitors to form their own judgment as to his perfected labors . At intervals he sent a glance from beneath his deep eyebrows , watching their countenances in profile with his pencil suspended over the sketch . They had now stood some moments , each in front of the other 's picture , contemplating it with entranced attention , but without uttering a word . At length Walter stepped forward , then back , viewing Elinor 's portrait in various lights , and finally spoke . `` Is there not a change ? '' said he , in a doubtful and meditative tone . `` Yes ; the perception of it grows more vivid the longer I look . It is certainly the same picture that I saw yesterday ; the dress , the features , all are the same , and yet something is altered . '' `` Is , then , the picture less like than it was yesterday ? '' inquired the painter , now drawing near with irrepressible interest .
`` The features are perfect Elinor , '' answered Walter , `` and at the first glance the expression seemed also hers ; but I could fancy XXXXX the portrait has changed countenance while I have been looking at it .
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