ot know any one for whom I should take up the
cudgels, and that with all my might, so readily as I should for you."

Salvator once more examined Antonio's pictures, and paused before one
representing a Magdalone at the Saviour's feet, which he specially
commended.

"You have departed," he said, "from the style in which people generally
represent this Magdalene. Your Magdalene is not an earnest woman, but
rather an ingenuous, charming child, and such a wondrous one as nobody
else (except Guido) could have painted. There is a peculiar charm about
the beautiful creature. You have painted her with enthusiasm, and, if I
am not deceived, the original of this Magdalene is in life, and here in
Rome. Confess, Antonio, you are in love."

Antonio cast his eyes down and said, softly and bashfully: "Nothing
escapes those sharp eyes of yours, my dear master. It may be as you
say, but don't blame me. I prize this picture most of all, and I have
kept it concealed from every one's sight, like a holy mystery."

"What!" cried Salvator, "have none of the painters seen this picture?"

"That is so," said Antonio.

"Then," said Salvator, his eyes shining with joy, "be assured, Antonio,
that I will overthrow your envious, puffed-up enemies, and bring you to
merited honour. Entrust your picture to me--send it secretly in the
night to my lodgings, and leave the rest to me. Will you?"

"A thousand times yes, with gladness," answered Antonio. "Ah! I should
like to tell you, at once, the troubles connected with my love-affair,
but somehow it seems to me that I do not dare, to-day, just when our
hearts have opened to one another in art; but some day I shall probably
ask you to advise and help me in that direction too."

"Both my advice and my help shall be at your service wherever and
whenever they may be necessary," Salvator answered. As he was leaving
he turned round and said with a smile: "Antonio, when you told me you
were a painter, I was sorry I had mentioned your likeness to the
Sanzio. I thought you might be silly enough, as many of our young
fellows are, if they chance to have a passing likeness in the face to
this or that great master, they take to wearing their hair and beard as
he does, and find it necessary to imitate his style in art as well,
though it may be quite contrary to their character. We have neither of
us named the name of Raphael; but, believe me, in your pictures I find
distinct traces of the extent to which the who