There is no need to describe it in detail--
suffice it to say that it was a life-size painting of a woman,
entirely naked; and that Samuel had never seen such a thing in his
life before. He dropped his eyes as he came near to it.
They went along the gallery and entered a room, dazzlingly beautiful
and bright. It was all done in white satin, the front being of glass,
and opening upon a wide balcony. There were flowers and singing birds,
and in the panels most beautiful paintings, representing wood nymphs
dancing. These airy creatures, also, were innocent of anything save
filmy veils; but they were all about the room, and so poor Samuel had
no way to escape them. He sought for light within his mind; and
suddenly he recollected the illustrated Bible at home. Perhaps the
peerless beings who lived in such palaces had returned to a state of
guiltlessness, such as had existed before the serpent came.
Young Lockman flung himself into an easy chair and proceeded to cross-
question his companion. He wanted to know all about the interview with
"Old Stew"; and afterwards, having managed to divine Samuel's attitude
to himself, he led him to talk about that, which Samuel did with the
utmost frankness. "Gee, but you're a queer duffer!" was Lockman's
comment; but Samuel didn't mind that.
The butler came with the meal--carrying it on a big tray, and with
another man to carry a folding table, and yet another to help.
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