Sabine stopped him with a gesture of denial.
“You shall not try again,” said she decidedly.
“And why not?” asked he in astonishment.
“Because this visit will be my last, Andre.”
“The last?” stammered the painter. “In what way have I so offended you, that you should inflict so terrible a punishment on me?”
“I do not wish to punish you. You asked for my portrait, and I yielded to your request; but let us talk reasonably. Do you not know that I am risking my reputation by coming here day after day?”
Andre made no reply, for this unexpected blow had almost stunned him.
“Besides,” continued Mademoiselle de Mussidan, “what is to be done with the portrait? It must be hidden away, as if it were something we were ashamed of. Remember, on your success hangs our marriage.”
“I do not forget that.”
“Hasten then to gain all honor and distinction, for the world must agree with me in saying that my choice has been a wise one.”