Johannes Vermeer Girl with a Pearl Earring Painting

Johannes Vermeer Girl with a Pearl Earring Painting
"Pennyfather?" hesaid, "Pennyfather? He ought to have been there. Can't think why he wasn't there. Said he was going.Told me so only a week before when I saw him in the Athenaeum."
　　"You mean he wasn't atthe conference at all?"
　　"That's what I've just said. He ought to have been there."
　　"Do you know why he wasn't there? Did he send an excuse?"
　　"How should I know? He certainly talked aboutbeing there. Yes, now I remember. He was expected. Several people remarked on his absence.Thought he might have had a chill or something. Very treacherous weather." He was about to revert to his criticisms of his fellow scholars butArchdeacon Simmons rang off.