Backwards and forwards over the open
space thus obtained, Mr. Blyth walked expectant, with the elastic skip
peculiar to him; looking ecstatically at his pictures, as he passed and
repassed them--now singing, now whistling; sometimes referring
mysteriously to a small manuscript which he carried in his hand,
jauntily tied round with blue ribbon; sometimes following the lines of
the composition in "Columbus," by flourishing his right hand before it
in the air, with dreamy artistic grace;--always, turn where he would,
instinct from top to toe with an excitable activity which defied the
very idea of rest--and always hospitably ready to rush to the door and
receive the first enthusiastic visitor with open arms, at a moment's
notice.
Above stairs, in the invalid room, the scene was of a different kind.
Here also the arrival of the expected visitors was an event of
importance; but it was awaited in perfect tranquillity and silence.
Mrs. Blyth lay in her usual position on the couch-side of the bed,
turning over a small portfolio of engravings; and Madonna stood at the
front window, where she could command a full view of the garden gate,
and of the approach from it to the house. This was always her place on
the days when the pictures were shown; for, while occupying this
position, she was able, by signs, to indicate the arrival of the
different guests to her adopted mother, who lay too far from the window
to see them.
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