His Friend. It might be a Holbein—if it didn't happen to be a Gainsborough.
The Conn. (effecting a masterly retreat). Didn't I say Gainsborough? Of course that was what I meant. Nothing like Reynolds—nor Romney either. Totally different thing!
IN GALLERY NO. II.
Mr. Ernest Stodgely (before JAN STEEN's "Christening"). Now look at this, FLOSSIE; very curious, very interesting. Gives you such an insight into the times. This man, you see, is wearing a hat of the period. Remarkable, isn't it?
Miss Featherhead. Not so remarkable as if he was wearing a hat of some other period, ERNEST, is it?
The Elderly Lady (before a View of Amsterdam, by Van der Heyden). Now, you really must look at this, my dear—isn't it wonderful? Why, you can count every single brick in the walls, and the tiny little figures with their features all complete; you want a magnifying-glass to see it all! How conscientious painters were in those days! And what a difference from those "Impressionists," as they call themselves.
Her Comp. (apathetically). Yes, indeed; I wonder whether it would be better to get our tea here, or wait till we get outside?
The Eld. L. Oh, it's too early yet. Look at that poor hunted stag jumping over a dining-room table, and upsetting the glasses and things. I suppose that's LANDSEER—no, I see it's some one of the name of SNYDERS. I expect he got the idea from LANDSEER, though, don't you?
Her Comp. Very likely indeed, dear; but (pursuing her original train of thought) you get rather nice tea at some of these aërated bread-shops; so perhaps if we waited—(&c., &c.)