Page:Journal of Conversations with Lord Byron.pdf/50

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38
Journal of Conversations

the lips full, and finely cut. In speaking, he shows his teeth very much, and they are white and even; but I observed that even in his smile - and he smiles frequently - there is something of a scornful expression in his mouth that is evidently natural, and not, as many suppose, affected. This particularly struck me. His chin is large and well shaped, and finishes well the oval of his face. He is extremely thin, indeed so much so that his figure has almost a boyish air; his face is peculiarly pale, but not the paleness of ill-health, as its character is that of fairness - the fairness of a dark-haired person; and his hair (which is getting rapidly gray) is of a very dark brown, and curls naturally; he uses a good deal of oil in it, which makes it look still darker. His countenance is full of expression, and changes with the subject of conversation; it gains on the beholder the more it is seen, and leaves an agreeable impression. I should say that melancholy was its prevailing character; as I observed that, when any observation elicited a smile - and they were many, as the conversation was gay and playful - it appeared to linger but for a moment on his lip, which instantly resumed its former expression of seriousness. His whole appearance is remarkably gentleman-like, and he owes nothing of this to his toilet, as his coat appears to have