Page:Romance & Reality 2.pdf/236

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
234
ROMANCE AND REALITY.

of the country, would have liked to have seen much more than she did; but young ladies are like the pieces of looking-glass let into chiffonniers and doorways—only meant to reflect the actions of others.

"Very well," said Lady Mandeville, in answer, one day, to a wish she was expressing; "when we are at Rome we will study architecture—there you may explore the Colosseum; but to go on a course of 'amusing and instructive rambles' through London!—pray leave that to the good little books you read in your childhood."

Emily was silenced. One evening, however, Mr. Morland, who was one of the governors of the British Institution, proposed their going to see the gallery lighted up. Lady Mandeville agreed; and Emily was all smiles—a little brightened, perhaps, because Lorraine was to join their party.

The effect on entrance is very striking: a crowd, where the majority are females, with gay-coloured dresses, and their heads unbonneted, always gives the idea of festival: figures animated with motion, and faces with expression, are in such strong contrast to the beautiful but moveless creations on the wall.