Page:The Clergyman's Wife.djvu/242

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ORIGINAL PEOPLE.


Put forth an original book, an original play, an original achievement in art, an original invention of science, and what a clamorous welcome echoes throughout Vanity Fair! What grandiloquent praises are trumpeted from the lips of its graceful booth-keepers! Taking their cue from some outside oracle, what enthusiasm, what powers of appreciation, what critical acumen they display! But, usher into the presence of "Good Society," (the presiding genius of that polite mart), "an original person"—oh! that is quite different; an intolerable innovation, a social nuisance! "Good Society" is shocked that the intruder bears so little resemblance to the charming creatures whom she has stamped and moulded, and curtailed of too luxuriant physical and mental proportion. She scans the singular individual with questioning and disapproving eyes; and of what a number of crimes, according to her code, she finds him guilty! His fervid nature has melted the smooth, waxed mask of polished simulation, and revealed strongly marked lineaments, deep lines.

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