It hangs, among others, in his fine gallery of
paintings, and is hung with a heavy drapery of black, which was by
chance removed by a gentleman, a friend of mine, who offered a handsome
fortune at once for the prize; but his rich offer was declined by the
owner, who, to the gentleman's earnest desire that he might become its
possessor, replied,--'sir, that bit of inanimate canvas is all upon
which my weary life feeds! were you to offer me the wealth of the world,
I would not part with that one small picture! neither can I be wrought
upon to produce a copy of the same, without violating feelings which
are sacred.' Whether this is a fancy piece, or if it bears the semblance
of some one of his kindred, my friend did not inform me, as he said his
very tongue clave to the roof of his mouth, as the sad artist spoke
those few deep-toned words. I have not myself seen this wonder, and
whether I might be thus warm in my praises is a question, as you know I
am insensible to female beauty, if I may judge by remarks which from
time to time have come to my ear, in past years, from estimable mothers,
whose beautiful daughters ought to have called forth my glowing
sentiments; 'but that which is wanting cannot be numbered,'" said he,
stealing an arch glance at Natalie.
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