Percival. And such meditation makes us realize the tie which binds Christians of to-day to saints of the olden time; at least, it has that effect with me. I feel almost as if those whose forms I have attempted to depict on my canvas had become my familiar friends. I look forward to meeting those three Maries hereafter: perhaps that time may not be far off.
Seyton. There are two male figures in the background of your picture, represented as just about to enter the room. One, the elder, appears to be struggling to retire: he is unwilling to intrude on the sacredness of grief.
Percival. Can you not read sorrow and shame on his half-averted face?
Seyton. His younger companion is using loving persuasion to draw him forward: his arm is thrown around the elder, and his face expresses compassion and love. The two figures must represent John and Peter.
Percival. Such was the idea in my mind. Where would poor broken-hearted Peter hide himself when, pierced by that look of his Lord, he went forth and bitterly wept? Would he not seek the solemn shade of the olives in the Garden of Gethsemane, and prostrate himself on the spot where the Master had knelt in agonized prayer? Would not Peter lay his throbbing brow on the sod where he could trace red signs of the bloody sweat, and try to efface them with his hot tears?
Percival went on: How terrible to Peter must have been the darkness which for three hours covered the earth, a sign that the fearful deed was being done, on which the sun could not look! He who had thrice denied his Lord dared not go near His cross; but the disciple's anguished soul would vividly picture its horrors. Peter must have trembled at the shock of the earthquake which told that all was over. How could he rise from the earth? How endure ever to look again on the face of a fellow-apostle?
Seyton. And you have imagined John, with tender sympathy, seeking out his erring brother in the place where he would be most likely to find him.
Percival. And entreating Peter not to remain apart from all his brethren; not to give way to despair: but to join those who, like himself, were mourning their crucified Lord.
Seyton. No marvel that Peter should shrink from entering the presence of the bereaved mother of Christ!
Percival. Mary would not turn from him; she would utter no word of reproach: she would raise her tearful eyes, and give the penitent Peter a look which would remind him of that which he had last seen on the sacred face of her Son.