He had been strolling through the academy—which was rather empty at the time—for about half an hour, when he remembered that an artist who had been his friend in former days, and with whom he had taken several very pleasant walking-tours on the continent, had made himself famous this year by exhibiting two very well-executed landscapes.
He referred to the catalogue and soon found where one of these was hung. He had been before it for some minutes, when he became conscious that a lady was standing by him looking at the same picture.
He was rather in her way and was obstructing her view, so he stepped aside, and taking off his hat murmured some slight apology.
She bowed and smiled faintly, but it was a particularly pleasing smile.
He looked at her and was immediately struck by her peculiar beauty. Her rich complexion, long voluptuous eyes and full well-moulded form, were indeed well fitted to attract the attention of man. She appeared to be about twenty-four years old. There was nothing fast in her appearance. She was well, though plainly dressed. He also noticed that she had tiny and well-shaped hands and feet.
He was so fascinated, that without intending it, he was staring very hard at her. At first she was—or pretended to be—unconscious of his earnest gaze; then she looked up and their eyes met, hers calm and wondering, his full of meaning admiration.
She dropped her eyes and blushed prettily, and then commenced to take a great interest in the picture before her.
He stood by her, also pretending to be intent on the painting for about half a minute, when, as she did not move away, he ventured to speak.
"I see our tastes are similar. It is a beautiful picture, is it not?"
She looked at him calmly.