In the picture, "Diligence," by Dieffenbach, there is perhaps no idea
except what appears at first glance. Whether the child is really
absorbed in her lessons, or whether the title is ironical and she is
in fact dreaming over a fairy tale while the school-books repose in
the basket, does not much matter; the reader may take his choice. The
picture is most probably one of those which are painted solely for
delight in their subject. Is not the whole thing perfectly charming?
[Illustration: "AN UNEXPECTED MEETING."
_From the Painting by Paul Peel._