So saying, I handed the book to the duchess, and continued:
—'You told me the other day, apropos of the conversation of the Marchioness Vivastine and myself, that you were also an admirer of our art, and that you appreciated Utamaro and Hokusai. No doubt they were great artists, and I am delighted, of course, with your appreciation, but we should be sorry if they stood to you for the best that we can do in art. This monthly will give you a good idea why I say so.'
All present were interested in the book, and its pages were gently turned over one by one. Presently the duchess remarked:
—'Do you mean to say that the originals of these illustrations date back thirteen centuries?'
—'Indeed, I do,' I replied.
—'And that these prints were really made in Japan?' said another.
—'Yes, surely.'
—'What a softness and feeling here! Look!' the duchess went on; 'and how this part resembles classic Italian.'
—'The art of printing,' I said, 'is well developed in Japan. The other day I showed a copy of the Financial and Economical Annual of Japan to a Frenchman, and he thought the printing was very neat and clear, and could scarcely believe that the book had been printed in my country.'
—'I can quite realise the scepticism of that person; but can you give me a rough idea of your ideal of pictures?'