Walter Ludlow, who was slightly known to the painter, explained the
object of their visit. While be spoke, a sunbeam was falling athwart his
figure and Elinor's, with so happy an effect, that they also seemed
living pictures of youth and beauty, gladdened by bright fortune. The
artist was evidently struck.

"My easel is occupied for several ensuing days, and my stay in Boston
must be brief," said he, thoughtfully; then, after an observant glance,
he added, "but your wishes shall be gratified, though I disappoint the
Chief Justice and Madam Oliver. I must not lose this opportunity, for
the sake of painting a few ells of broadcloth and brocade."

The painter expressed a desire to introduce both their portraits into one
picture, and represent them engaged in some appropriate action. This
plan would have delighted the lovers, but was necessarily rejected,
because so large a space of canvas would have been unfit for the room
which it was intended to decorate. Two half-length portraits were
therefore fixed upon. After they had taken leave, Walter Ludlow asked
Elinor, with a smile, whether she knew what an influence over their fates
the painter was about to acquire.

"The old women of Boston affirm," continued he, "that after he has once
got possession of a person's face and figure, he may paint him in any act
or situation whatever,--and the picture will be prophetic. Do you
believe it?"

"Not quite," said Elinor, smiling. "Yet if he has such magic, there is
something so gentle in his manner, that I am sure he will use it well."

It was the painter's choice to proceed with both the portraits at the