CHAPTER IX.
THE PUBLIC AND THE PICTURES.
ON the memorable Monday, when the picture gallery was opened to the public for the first time, Lord Loring and Father Benwell met in the library.
"Judging by the number of carriages already at the door," said Father Benwell, "your lordship's kindness is largely appreciated by the lovers of Art." "All the tickets were disposed of in three hours," Lord Loring answered.
"Everybody (the librarians tell me) is eager to see the pictures.

Have you looked in yet ?" "Not yet.

I thought I would get on first with my work among the books." "I have just come from the gallery," Lord Loring continued.

"And here I am, driven out of it again by the remarks of some of the visitors.

You know my beautiful copies of Raphael's Cupid and Psyche designs?
The general impression, especially among the ladies, is that they are disgusting and indecent.