Then Colonel Newcome walked away into the next room
for a minute or two, and came back wiping his moustache with his
handkerchief, and still holding the key in the other hand. He spoke about
some trivial subject when he returned; but his voice quite trembled; and
I thought his face seemed to glow with love and pleasure. Clive has never
painted anything better than that head, which he executed in a couple of
sittings; and wisely left without subjecting it to the chances of further
labour.
It is certain the young man worked much better after he had been inducted
into this apartment of his own. And the meals at home were gayer; and the
rides with his father more frequent and agreeable. The Colonel used his
key once or twice, and found Clive and his friend Ridley engaged in
depicting a life-guardsman,--or a muscular negro,--or a Malay from a
neighbouring crossing, who would appear as Othello, conversing with a
Clipstone Street nymph, who was ready to represent Desdemona, Diana,
Queen Ellinor (sucking poison from the arm of the Plantagenet of the
Blues), or any other model of virgin or maiden excellence.
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