," stammered Capuzzi, with difficulty, "dear
Signor Salvator; but, alone; when you are by yourself. Allow me to take
my departure for the present, and come back at a more convenient time."

"By no means, my dear Signor," said Salvator, holding the old man fast.
"You must not go. You could not possibly have come at a more convenient
time, for, as you are a great honourer of the noble art of painting, it
will give you no small joy when I present to you here Antonio
Scacciati, the greatest painter of our time, whose glorious picture,
the marvellous 'Magdalene at the Saviour's feet,' all Rome regards with
the utmost enthusiasm. No doubt you are full of the picture, like the
rest, and have been anxious to make the painter's acquaintance."

The old man was seized by a violent trembling. He shook like one in the
cold stage of a fever, sending, the while, burning looks of rage at
Antonio; who, however, went up to him with easy courtesy, declaring
that he thought himself fortunate to meet Signor Pasquale Capuzzi,
whose profound knowledge of music, as well as of painting, not only
Rome, but all Italy admired, and he recommended himself to his
protection.

It restored the old fellow to his self-control that Antonio treated him
as if he met him for the first time, and addressed him in such
flattering terms. He forced himself to a sort of simpering smile, and
(Salvator having let go his hands) softly stroked the points of his
moustaches heavenwards, stammered a few unintelligible words, and then
turned to Salvator, whom he attacked on the subject of the payment of
the ten ducats. "We will settle that every-day little affair
afterwards," said Salvator. "First let it please you to look at the
sketches which I have made for a picture, and, as you do so, to drink a
glass of good Syracuse." Salvator placed his sketches on the easel,
drew up a chair for the old gentleman, and, when he had seated himself,
handed him a large, beautiful goblet, in which the noble Syracuse was
sparkling.

The old man was only too fond of a glass of good wine, when he had not
to pay for it; and, moreover, as he was expecting to receive ten ducats
for a worn-out, rickety spinett, and was seated before a boldly
sketched-in picture, whose wonderful beauty he was quite capable of
appreciating, he could not but feel exceedingly happy in his mind. This
satisfaction he gave expression to, smirking quite pleasantly, stroking
his chin and moustaches assiduously, ha