_The Conn._ (_effecting a masterly retreat_). Didn't I _say_
Gainsborough? Of course that was what I _meant_. Nothing like
Reynolds--nor Romney either. Totally different thing!

IN GALLERY NO. II.

_Mr. Ernest Stodgely_ (_before JAN STEEN's "Christening"_). Now look
at this, FLOSSIE; very curious, very interesting. Gives you such an
insight into the times. This man, you see, is wearing a hat of the
period. Remarkable, isn't it?

_Miss Featherhead_. Not so remarkable as if he was wearing a hat of
some _other_ period, ERNEST, is it?

_The Elderly Lady_ (_before a View of Amsterdam, by Van der Heyden_).
Now, you really _must_ look at this, my dear--isn't it wonderful? Why,
you can count every single brick in the walls, and the tiny little
figures with their features all complete; you want a magnifying-glass
to _see_ it all! How conscientious painters were in those days!
And _what_ a difference from those "Impressionists," as they call
themselves.

_Her Comp._ (_apathetically_). Yes, indeed; I wonder whether it would
be better to get our tea here, or wait till we get outside?

_The Eld. L._ Oh, it's too early yet. Look at that poor hunted stag
jumping over a dining-room table, and upsetting the glasses and
things. I suppose that's LANDSEER--no, I see it's some one of the name
of SNYDERS. I expect he got the _idea_ from LANDSEER, though, don't