Those piercing eyes! From the painting over the mantel they seemed to look into his very soul. They followed him as he paced around the room, trying to escape the penetrating gaze. John Wentworth Stanley possessed every advantage that wealth, culture, foreign travel, education, and sophisticated society could provide. During his travels abroad he had shaken off the boyish faith and religious enthusiasm that had characterized his youth. He was ready to move into his profession as an architect and take his place as the man of the world he had become.
