rd of the establishment came across.

"Do you often have this housewarming?"

The painter replied:

"I believe you, every three months, each quarter."

M. Saval could not restrain himself any longer, and in a hesitating
voice said:

"I beg your pardon for intruding on you, monsieur, but I heard your
name pronounced, and I would be very glad to know if you really are M.
Romantin, whose work in the last Salon I have so much admired?"

The painter answered:

"I am the very person, monsieur."

The notary then paid the artist a very well-turned compliment, showing
that he was a man of culture.

The painter, gratified, thanked him politely in reply.

Then they chatted. Romantin returned to the subject of his
housewarming, going into details as to the magnificence of the
forthcoming entertainment.

M. Saval questioned him as to all the men he was going to receive,
adding:

"It would be an extraordinary piece of good fortune for a stranger to
meet at one time so many celebrities assembled in the studio of an
artist of your rank."

Romantin, overcome, answered:

"If it would be agreeable to you, come."

M. Saval accepted the invitation with enthusiasm, reflecting:

"I'll always have time enough to see 'Henri VIII.'"

Both of them had finished their meal. The notary insisted on paying
the two bills, wishing to repay his neighbor's civilities. He also
paid for the drinks of the young fellows in red velvet; then he left
the establishment with the painter.

They stopped in front of a very long house, by no means high, of which
all the first story had the appearance of an interminable
conservatory. Six studios stood in a row with their fronts facing the
boulevards.

Romantin was the first to enter, and, ascending the stairs, he opened
a door, and lighted a match and then a candle.

They found themselves in an immense apartment, the furniture of which
consisted of three chairs, two easels, and a few sketches lying on the
ground along the walls. M. Saval remained standing at the door in a
stupefied state of mind.

The painter remarked:

"Here you are! we've got to the spot; but everything has yet to be
done."

Then, examining the high, bare apartment, whose ceiling was veiled in
shadows, he said:

"We might make a great deal out of this studio."

He walked round it, surveying it with the utmost attention, then went
on:

"I have a mistress who might easily give a helping hand. Women are
incomparable