(A Sketch in the Corporation Gallery at the Guildhall.)
The Gallery is crowded, and there is the peculiar buzz in the air that denotes popular interest and curiosity. The majority of the visitors are of the feminine sex, and appear to have come up from semi-detached villas in the less fashionable suburbs; but there is also a sprinkling of smart and Superior Persons, prosperous City Merchants, who regard pictures with respect, as a paying investment, young Commercial Men, whose feeling for Art is not precisely passionate, but who have turned in to pass the time, and because the Exhibition is gratuitous, earnest Youths with long hair, soft hats, and caped ulsters, &c., &c.
BEFORE DELAROCHE'S "DROWNED MARTYR."
First Villa Resident (appreciatively). Such a death-like expression, isn't it?
Second Ditto, Ditto. Yes, indeed! And how beautifully her halo's done!
Third Ditto, Ditto. Will those two men on the bank be the executioners, should you think?
Fourth Ditto, Ditto (doubtfully). It says in the Catalogue that they're two Christians.
An Intelligent Child. Then why don't they jump in and pull her out, Mother? [The Child is reproved.
A Languid Young Lady. Is that intended for Opheliah?