'Oh, there's no necessity for you to lie. I know the truth well enough. I have resolved to give up painting. I have given it up.'
You've given up painting! Do you really mean it?'
'Yes, I feel that I must. When I got your letter I was nearly dead with weariness and disappointment—what a relief your letter was—what a relief to be here!'
'Well, you see something has happened. Barbizon has happened, Morton has happened.'
'I wonder if anything will come of it. He's a nice fellow. I like him.'
'You're not the first. All the women are crazy about him. He was the lover of Merac, the actress of the Francais. They say she could only play Phedre when he was in the stage-box. He always produced that effect upon her. Then he was the lover of the Marquise de la—de la Per——I can't remember the name.'
'Is he in love with any one now?'
'No; we thought he was going to marry Rose.'
'That little thing!'
'Well, he seemed devoted to her. He seemed inclined to settle down.'