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Indeed! replied Sponge, what is it? Its a Bacchanal group, after Poussin, sculptured by Marin. I bought it at Lord Breakdowns sale; it happened to be a wet day -- much such a day as this -- and things went for nothing. This youll know, I presume? observed Jawleyford, laying his hand on a life-size bust of Diana, in Italian marble. No, I dont, replied Sponge. No! exclaimed Jawleyford; I thought everybody had known this: this is my celebrated Diana, by Noindon -- one of the finest things in the world. Louis Philippe sent an agent over to this country expressly to buy it. Why didnt you sell it him? asked Sponge. Didnt want the money, replied Jawleyford, didnt want the money. In addition to which, though a king, he was a bit of a screw, and we couldnt agree upon terms. This, observed Jawleyford, is a vase of the Cinque Cento period -- a very fine thing; and this, laying his hand on the crown of a much frizzed, barbers-window-looking bust, of course you know? No, I dont, replied Sponge. No! exclaimed Jawleyford, in astonishment. No, repeated Sponge. Look again, my dear fellow; you must know it, observed Jawleyford. I suppose its meant for you, at last replied Sponge, seeing his hosts anxiety. Meant! my dear fellow; why, dont you think it like? Why, theres a resemblance, certainly, said Sponge, now that one knows. But I shouldnt have guessed it was you. Oh, my dear Mr Sponge! exclaimed Jawleyford, in a tone of mortification, Do you really mean to say you dont think it like? Why, yes, its like, replied Sponge, seeing which way his host wanted it; its like, certainly; the want of expression in the eye makes such a difference between a bust and a picture. True, replied Jawleyford, comforted -- true, repeated he, looking affectionately at it; I should say it was very like -- like as anything can be. You are rather too much above it there, you see; sit down here, continued he, leading Sponge to an ottoman surrounding a huge model of the column in the Place Vend0156me, that stood in the middle of the room -- sit down here now, and look, and say if you dont think it like? Oh, very like, replied Sponge, as soon as he had seated himself. I see it now, directly; the mouth is yours to a T. And the chin? Its my chin, isnt it? asked Jawleyford. Yes; and the nose, and the forehead, and the whiskers, and the hair, and the shape of the head, and everything. Oh! I see it now as plain as a pikestaff, observed Sponge. I thought you would, rejoined Jawleyford, comforted --I thought you would; its generally considered an excellent likeness -- so it should, indeed, for it cost a vast of money -- fifty guineas! to say nothing of the lotus-leafed pedestal its on. Thats another of me, continued Jawleyford, pointing to a bust above the |
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