It is not the first-fruits of my labor,
for I have been a workman."
"Well, we must hope my daughter's money will bring you good luck,"
said she.
"And take it without scruple," added the Baron, seeing that Wenceslas
held the purse in his hand instead of pocketing it. "The sum will be
repaid by some rich man, a prince perhaps, who will offer it with
interest to possess so fine a work."
"Oh, I want it too much myself, papa, to give it up to anybody in the
world, even a royal prince!"
"I can make a far prettier thing than that for you, mademoiselle."
"But it would not be this one," replied she; and then, as if ashamed
of having said too much, she ran out into the garden.
"Then I shall break the mould and the model as soon as I go home,"
said Steinbock.
"Fetch me your papers, and you will hear of me before long, if you are
equal to what I expect of you, monsieur."
The artist on this could but take leave. After bowing to Madame Hulot
and Hortense, who came in from the garden on purpose, he went off to
walk in the Tuileries, not bearing--not daring--to return to his
attic, where his tyrant would pelt him with questions and wring his
secret from him.
Hortense's adorer conceived of groups and statues by the hundred; he
felt strong enough to hew the marble himself, like Canova, who was
also a feeble man, and nearly died of it. He was transfigured by
Hortense, who was to him inspiration made visible.
"Now then," said the Baroness to her daughter, "what does all this
mean?"
"Well, dear mamma, you have just seen Cousin Lisbeth's lover, who now,
I hope, is mine.
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