The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1881-04-01

CHAPTER U.-THE PUBLIC AND THE
PICTURES.
On the memorable Monday when tn,
picture gallery was opened to the pub
lie for the first time, Lord Loring ant
Father Benwell met in the library.
"Judging 10y the number Of carriage
already at the door," said Father Ben
well. "your lordship's kindness d
largely appreciated by lovers of art"
"All the tickets were disposed Of in
three hours" Lord Lcring answered
Everybody (the librarian told me,
is eager to see the pictures. Have You
looked in YETI
"Not yet. Thought would get on
first with my work here"
"I have just come from the gallery. -
Lord Loring continued. "And here I
am driven ont of it again by the remarks
Of some Of the visitors. You know nv
beautiful copies Of Raphael's Cupid and
Psyche designs7 The general impress
sion. especially among the ladies, il
that they are disgusting and indecent.
That was enough for me. II you hap
pen to meet Lady Loring and Stella,
kindly tell them that I have gone to
the club" farH
"Do the ladies propose paying visit
to the galleryP"
"Of course-to see the peoplei I
have recommended them to wait until
they are ready to go out for their
drive. In their indoor costume, they
might become objects OF general obser-
vation as the ladies Of the house. I
shall be anxious to hear, Father, il you
can discover the oivilixing influences Of
art among my guests in the gallery.
Good-morning."
Father Benwell rang the bell when
Lord Loring had left him.
Z" Do the ladies drive out today st
their usual hourr' he inquired, when
the servant appeared. The man an
swored in the Affirmative. The carriage
was ordered for three O'Clock.
At half-past two Father Benwell siip.
ped quietly into the gallery. He posted
himself midway between the libnry-
door and the grand entrance, on the
watch. lnot for the oivilizing influences
OF art. but for the appearance Of Lady
Loring. and Stella. He was still Of
opinion that StellA's frivolous mother
might. be turned into source OF vain.
sbfo Information ON the source of her
daughters earlier life. The first step
toward attaining this object was to dis
cover Mrs. Eyrecourt's present address.
Stella would certainly know IL, and
Father Benwell felt just confidence |
In his capacity to make the young lady |
serviceable, in this respect, TO the pc |
cuniary interests OF the church.
After an interval Of quarter of IN
hour. Lady Loring and Stella entered
the gallery by the library-door. Father
Benwel at once advanced to pay his
respects.
For some little time he discres.ly re-
Trained from making any attempt &c
lead the conversation TO the topic that
he had in view. He was too we'll 60
quainted With the insatiable interest Of
women in looking at other women TO
force himself into notice. The ladies
made their remarks on the pretentions
to beauty and 10 taste in dress among
the throng Of visitors. and Father Ben
well waited by them, and listened with
the resignation Of modest young man.
Patience, like virtue, Is sometimes its
own reward. Two gentlemen, evidently
interested in the pictures. approached
the priest He drew back with his
ready politeness, to let them see the
picture before which hs happened TO be
standing. The movement disturbed
Stella She turned sharply noticed
enc OF the gentlemen, the taller OF the
deadly pale, aud Instantly
quilted the gallery. Lady Loring,
looking where Stella had looked,
frowned angrily. and followed Miss
Eyrecourt into the library. Wise
Father Benwell let them 60, and oon-
centrated his attention ON the pcrson
who had been the object Of this start
ling recognition. fu.t,
Unquestionsbly, gentleman, with
light hair. and complexion; with Q
bright, benevolent face and keen intel
ligent blue eyes-apparently still In
the prime Of life. Such was Father
Bsnweli's first impression Of the
stranger. He had evidently seen Miss
Eyrecourt at the moment whom she first
noticed him; and he, too. showed signs
OF serious agitation. His face flushed
deeply. and his eyes expressed, not
merely surprise. but distress. Heturned
TO his friend.
, "This place Il hot. i" he sAid; let I" us
>st ont Of iti" sH |
my dear Wintsrheld I" the friend
demonstrated. we haven't.ssen half the
lectures yet"
"Exouse me- II I leave you,' shs
other replied. ~ am used to the free
air Of the country. Let Ms meet again
this evening. Como and dine with me.
The same address as usual-Dsrwent's
Hotel" d-e
With those words he hurried ont,
making his way, without ceremony,
through the crowd In the pistuss-sal-
iery. iai ~
Father Benwell returned 10 the H.
brary. Is wAs quite needles. 70 trouble
himself furtnsg about MxA xyrsooure
o. hsr address
"ThAnks 70 Lord LsoFinGs picture