Indeed, it was impossible not to regard Mr.Marsh with curiosity.

His attire was very conventional in itself, but somehow did not look like the evening uniform of common men: it sat upon him with an artistic freedom, and seemed the garb of a man superior to his surroundings.

The artist was slight, pale, rather feminine of feature; he had delicate hands, which he managed to display to advantage; his auburn hair was not long behind, as might have been expected, but rolled in a magnificent mass upon his brows.

Many were the affectations whereby his countenance rendered itself unceasingly interesting.

At times he wrinkled his forehead down the middle, and then smiled at vacancy--a humorous sadness; or his eyes became very wide as he regarded, yet appeared not to see, some particular person; or his lips drew themselves in, a symbol of meaning reticence.