The things we do!

I
showed Laura the likeness until she could become acquainted with the
original. On her expressing her delight at the picture, the painter was
pleased to say, in his modest blushing way, that he would be glad to
execute my wife's portrait too, nor, as I think, could any artist find a
subject more pleasing.
After admiring others of Mr. Ridley's works, our talk naturally reverted
to his predecessor. Clive had migrated to much more splendid quarters.
Had we not heard? he had become a rich man, a man of fashion. "I fear he
is very lazy about the arts," said J. J., with regret on his countenance;
"though I begged and prayed him to be faithful to his profession. He
would have done very well in it, in portrait-painting especially. Look
here, and here, and here!" said Ridley, producing fine vigorous sketches
of Clive's. "He had the art of seizing the likeness, and of making all
his people look like gentlemen, too. He was improving every day, when
this abominable bank came in the way, and stopped him.


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