"You are a charming companion," said he; "and, although our connection has commenced under such hostile auspices, I hope it will be lasting: that soon you will become one of our friends, and I shall be one of yours."
"That will be a great honour for me, Monsieur le Comte," he answered, bowing.
"Now that you have placed one foot on our secrets, it is necessary that you enter into them entirely."
"Is it, then, absolutely necessary?"
"Decidedly so."
"It is curious how for the last few days fate has been pleased to pursue me and obstinately to make me a man of politics, when I should be so happy merely to paint pictures—I, who have only come to America for that purpose. It has been a splendid idea, certainly, and I have well chosen my time."
"In the first place, it is necessary for you to make your decision."
"I know it well, and that is just the reason why I am enraged; but as soon as I shall be able to act otherwise, I shall not hesitate a moment, I promise you."
"Until a new order, it is indispensable that you remain with us—that you be in some sort our prisoner; but, reassure yourself, your captivity shall not be hard; we will make it, or at least we will try to make it, as agreeable to you as possible."
"So you are going to deprive me of my freewill?" said the painter with a tragi-comic air.