Upon this picture Godwin fixed his eyes with the intensity of fascination; his memory never lost the impress of these ladies' faces.

Nothing very noteworthy about them; but to Godwin they conveyed a passionate perception of all that is implied in social superiority.

Here he stood, one of the multitude, of the herd; shoulder to shoulder with boors and pick-pockets; and within reach of his hand reposed those two ladies, in Olympian calm, seeming unaware even of the existence of the throng.

Now they exchanged a word; now they smiled to each other.

How delicate was the moving of their lips! How fine must be their enunciation! On the box sat an old coachman and a young footman; they too were splendidly impassive, scornful of the multitudinous gaze .-- The block was relieved, and on the carriage rolled.
They were his equals, those ladies, merely his equals.