3-074-753 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Post-Boy, by P. R. Morris, A.R.A., 1883. Engraving of a painting. 'In this picture, by Mr. P. J. [sic] Morris, A.R.A., which is exhibited at the Fine-Art Gallery of Mr. Mendoza, in King-street, St. James's, two village damsels have intercepted the post-office messenger on his pony, with intent to get the love-letter that he may bring for one of them, so that their parents and neighbours may not know about it. The occasion is pleasantly as well as truthfully expressed by the eager look of one pretty girl and the shamefacedness of the other; clinging together unconsciously, as if for mutual protection, at the mere thought of being possibly discovered in this questionable practice. The stolid and deliberately slow behaviour of the postboy, who pretends to rummage his leather valise for the expected letter, and will not say whether he has it in his possession, is probably assumed on purpose to tease them. It is a nice little scene of village comedy, and a capital work of art'. From "Illustrated London News", 1883.