I praised it rapturously. You would have thought, to hear me, that for drawing, breadth, finish, color, composition, chiaroscuro, and every other merit that a painting could possess, this particular chef-d'oeuvre excelled all the masterpieces of Europe.
Müller bowed, and bowed, and bowed, like a Chinaman at a visit of ceremony; He was more than proud; he was overwhelmed, accablé, et caetera, et caetera.
The Tapottes left off whispering, and listened breathlessly.
"He is evidently a great painter, not' jeune homme!" said Madame in one of her large whispers.
To which Monsieur replied as audibly:--"Ça se voit, ma femme--sacre nom d'une pipe!"
"Milford will do me the favor to sit again on Friday?" said Müller, as I took up my hat and gloves.
I replied with infinite condescension that I would endeavor to do so. I then made the stiffest of stiff bows to the excellent Tapottes, and, ushered to the door by Müller, took my departure majestically in the character of Lord Smithfield.