I was too well aware of the extent of his
acquirements, and of the singular pleasure he took in concealing
them from observation, to be astonished at any similar discovery;
but the place of date, I must confess, occasioned me no little
amazement. It had been originally written London, and afterwards
carefully overscored --not, however, so effectually as to conceal
the word from a scrutinizing eye. I say this occasioned me no little
amazement; for I well remember that, in a former conversation with a
friend, I particularly inquired if he had at any time met in London
the Marchesa di Mentoni, (who for some years previous to her
marriage had resided in that city,) when his answer, if I mistake not,
gave me to understand that he had never visited the metropolis of
Great Britain. I might as well here mention, that I have more than
once heard, (without of course giving credit to a report involving
so many improbabilities,) that the person of whom I speak was not only
by birth, but in education, an Englishman.
"There is one painting," said he, without being aware of my notice
of the tragedy --"there is still one painting which you have not
seen." And throwing aside a drapery, he discovered a full length
portrait of the Marchesa Aphrodite.
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