" I was at the moment, however, at work
upon "Ruth and Boaz," which I had painted years before--removing the
face of Ruth originally there. I worked long at it; and as she was
not coming for two days I kept steadily at the picture. This was the
day on which I called upon you, wishing you to postpone your visit,
lest you should interrupt me while at work upon the head of Ruth,
which I was hoping to paint. On Thursday I waited for her at the
appointed hour, but she did not come, and I saw her no more.'
V
'Mr. Wilderspin,' I said, as I rose hurriedly, with the intention of
going at once in search of Winifred, 'let me see the picture you
allude to--"Christabel," and then tell me where to find her.'
'Better not see it!' said Wilderspin solemnly; 'there's something to
tell you yet, Mr. Aylwin.'
'Yes, yes; but let me see the picture first. I can bear anything now.
Howsoever terrible it may be, I can bear it now; for she's
found--she's safe.' And I rushed into the next room, and began
turning round in a wild manner one after another some dozens of
canvases that were standing on the floor and leaning against the
wall.
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