Also, Mr. Gimble, fluently laudatory, with the whole alphabet
of Art-Jargon at his fingers' ends, and without the slightest
comprehension of the subject to embarrass him in his flow of language.
Also, certain respectable families who tried vainly to understand the
pictures, opposed by other respectable families who never tried at all,
but confined themselves exclusively to the Dowager Countess. Also, the
obscure general visitors, who more than made up in enthusiasm what they
wanted in distinction. And, finally, the absolute democracy, or
downright low-life party among the spectators--represented for the time
being by Mr. Blyth's gardener, and Mr. Blyth's cook's father--who,
standing together modestly outside the door, agreed, in awe-struck
whispers, that the "Golden Age" was a Tasty Thing, and "Columbus in
sight of the New World," a Beautiful Piece.
All Valentine's restlessness before the Visitors arrived was as nothing
compared with his rapturous activity, now that they were fairly
assembled. Not once had he stood still, or ceased talking since the
first spectator entered the room. And not once, probably, would he have
permitted either his legs or his tongue to take the slightest repose
until the last guest had departed from the Studio, but for Lady
Brambledown, who accidentally hit on the only available means of fixing
his attention to one thing, and keeping him comparatively quiet in one
place.
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