The Bay State Monthly, Volume 3, No. 2 by Various
page 84 of 141 (59%)
page 84 of 141 (59%)
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and at the moment put himself into the same attitude with the man in the
picture, and in this attitude stood with his eyes glancing keenly from one to another of the spectators. There was a murmur, not rising to articulateness, which seemed to be surprise at the sight of the portrait so unexpectedly disclosed. Then followed a breathless hush. It was in the hush that Edmonson's eyes were busiest. But that, too, was short. For, a cry of astonishment rose from nearly every one in the hall. This, though coming from many throats, had but one import. "What a likeness! Perfect! Wonderful! How came it there? How came _he_ here? What does it mean?" From Edmonson, standing motionless, the assembly looked toward Stephen, and from him, plainly as much at a loss as themselves, they turned their eyes where his were already fixed, upon the face of his father. But the Colonel, pale and amazed, with a dark shadow fallen upon his face from the door near by him--or perhaps from some door opening in his own breast--seemed no more able than the others to read the riddle. Indeed, he was the first to ask the explanation that all were seeking. "When and how did you bring that picture here?" he said. "And whose portrait is it?" For he had rejected the first suggestion of its being Edmonson himself. The dress belonged to an earlier period, and the face was that of a man somewhat older; it could not be thought of as the portrait of the young man standing beside it; it was simply a marvellous likeness. "I found it here," returned Edmonson with a bow. "I have seen the copy |
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