"Is that so? Come, show me your book." He opened it, and came across a little sketch of St. Catherine, which I had just copied from a fresco said to be by Masaccio, in the old basilica of St. Clement, not far from the Coliseum.
"Did you do this?" said Monsieur Ingres.
"Yes, sir."
"Alone?"
"Yes, sir."
"But—do you know you draw like your father?"
"Oh, Monsieur Ingres!"
Then he added, looking at me gravely—
"You must do some tracings for me."
Make tracings for Monsieur Ingres! work beside him, perhaps! Bask in the sunshine of his talent! Warm myself in the glow of his enthusiasm! The thought transported me with joy.