This painting was a revelation to me.

Except that it was executed in tempera instead of oil, it differed in no respect from modern work.

There was nothing archaic or even ancient about it.

With its freedom of handling and its correct rendering of light and shade, it might have been painted yesterday; indeed, enclosed in an ordinary gilt frame, it might have passed without remark in an exhibition of modern portraits.
Miss Bellingham observed my admiration and smiled approvingly.
"It is a charming little portrait, isn't it ?" she said; "and such a sweet face, too; so thoughtful and human with just a shade of melancholy.

But the whole thing is full of charm.