In Change Unchanged (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1877 Excerpt: ...been here a very short time, and does not care for general society, though any one can see that she belongs to the very best class of Englishwomen." "You are hardly complimentary to us, Mr. Maynard," returned Mrs. Trevelyan, with a sarcastic smile, that was intended to convey volumes, "but now," and her tones were soft again, "do tell me when your own new picture will be finished. Porta is not the only painter we have in Florence, Mr. Smith," and she flashed a saucy smile upon that gentleman. "Mr. Maynard's studio is well worth visiting; and oh, he has the loveliest flowers and Japanese curiosities " "Ah, but my flowers and Japs don't make my pictures come up to Porta's," said Maynard, with an honest blush. "He is a great master." "But though your friend hates society, mightn't he be persuaded to go to your studio one day, and then we ladies might drop in quite by accident, you know," urged Mrs. Trevelyan, persuasively. "Ye-es, that would be right away your best chance," replied Maynard, hesitatingly, "but I don't know if Porta would ever forgive me the trick. He would very likely rush out at one door, as you ladies came in by the other." Later in the evening, when a little dance had been improvised, Bethune made his appearance, and found Maynard and Mrs. Trevelyan at the piano playing a waltz for four hands. It did not go very well. Mrs. Trevelyan would talk and disturb her companion's bass, for Maynard was not a sufficiently practiced musician to be able to carry on a flirtation at the piano without playing wrong notes, and discords vexed his ear. The grand piano stood at the end of the loggia, half surrounded by tall shrubs. Bethune put his head through the lea...