Luckily these were chiefly in the background of the picture, only two being observable on the face of the dead Gervase Lord Ethalwood.
Peace removed the panel from its frame—it was as firm and solid as a piece of slate—he placed it on an easel and looked carefully at its surface.
“Well,” said Mr. Jakyl, “it’s all right, with the exception of those ugly spots.”
“It was impossible to avoid showing these; the fact is the decay in another year or so would have gone so far as to destroy entirely the whole of the picture. We may think ourselves lucky it’s no worse,” observed Peace.
“Yes, I suppose so, but his lordship will think them a great disfigurement,” observed the butler.
“You had better ask his lordship to have a look at it.”
“I am very well satisfied with the work.”
Lord Ethalwood was communicated with. He accompanied his butler into the picture gallery.
He glanced at the portrait of his great ancestor, whose features were as dingy and faded as they well could be; this was more especially observable as the representation of the old nobleman was brought to the light.
“I hope your lordship will be pleased with my work,” said Peace. “It has been one of the most difficult tasks that I have ever undertaken; but you wil find, I think, my lord, that you have now a picture more endurable than any in your gallery.”