"'Where is Mr. Almer?' he asked.
"'In the summer-house,' I replied.
"'Go to him,' he said, 'and say I desire to have a few words with him.'
"In a few minutes they confronted each other on the steps which led to the studio.
"'Enter,' said my master; 'you also, Denise, so that you may hear what I have to say to M. Gabriel, and what he has to say to me.'
"I entered with them, and could scarcely believe my eyes. The walls of the studio had been painted a deep black. Not only the walls, but the woodwork of the windows which gave light to the room. The place resembled a tomb.
"M. Gabriel's face was like the face of a corpse as he gazed around.
"'This is your doing,' he said to my master, pointing to the black walls.
"'Pardon me,' said my master; 'it is none of my work. You are the artist here, and this is the picture you have painted on my heart and life. Denise, are all M. Gabriel's sketches and paintings in this studio?'
"'They are all here, sir,' I replied.