Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. II.djvu/163

Rh to those on whom their glance was directed in love. The countenance is pale; the features regular, even handsome, all except the mouth, which is large, with large teeth, and devoid of agreeable sentiment when speaking. In short, the countenance has a commanding expression. An abundance of dark brown hair waves from under the red cap, and falls in waving curls upon the pale cheeks. The whole figure is picturesque, “artistic,” in effect, to which also the costume, the red cardinal-stockings, the large silver buckles, the short silk cloak, and the red cap, contribute in no small degree. Antonelli has in his manner all the self-possession and ease of a perfect man of the world. With ladies, his manners are elegant and insinuating. I had a short conversation with him, in which, I do not remember from what cause, we came to speak of experience. Antonelli said that it was “a great advantage.” I thought that this advantage had not a particular l y good reputation, and I wanted first to inquire, in what sense the Cardinal regarded it as good, but we were interrupted by the music, and I wait with my question till another time. The Grants, who like Antonelli greatly, will take me to see his valuable collection of minerals, which he has pleasure in showing to foreigners. A far more valuable collection, namely, of jeweled rings, is shown only to few; to the select of his intimate friends.

Amongst duchesses, countesses, ladies, and so on, were some very expensive and beautiful dresses, but which one might fear would fall off their wearer's shoulders. Not a beautiful style this! Some were very original, but becoming costumes, and two young