Page:Notable women authors of the day (IA notablewomenauth00blaciala).pdf/391

Rh they are interested, but who are as yet unknown to them by sight, and I listened with much amusement to the various conjectures and ideas put forth.

"I," said the genial, soldierly-looking host, meditatively, as he leaned against the mantelshelf, and caressed a favourite collie dog, "always picture her to myself as a large, dark, massive woman—commanding in presence, with black eyes, a deep contralto voice, and wearing long, stately robes of green velvet."

“But my idea," remarked the grande dame, in soft melodious tones, "is altogether opposite. I imagine her to be a very small, fair woman, with a very determined manner, large, pale blue eyes, and probably dressed in rather a masculine fashion."

Other opinions and suggestions were pronounced, but were all 80 totally unlike the reality—the actuality of the talented and womanly author, that, taking advantage of a momentary pause in the conversation, I seized the opportunity, and interpolated the remark:

“But as I have the privilege of personal knowledge of, and friendship with, Sarah Grand, I am in a position to tell you about her; and first, I will give & verbal portrait of her, which none of her friends would fail to recognize. She is something over the medium height, slight, and girlish in figure; the face of pure oval shape is crowned with soft, brown, curly hair, worn in a large, loose coil, low on the nape of her neck. She has a broad, low brow, indicating spirituality and intellect; a complexion of delicate colouring; large, grey eyes, that seem to deepen in