"Good-day, sir! Good-day, sir!" cried the two boys. "Mamma sends these roses and invites you to lunch."
While speaking, they shook bunches of tea and moss roses, then handed them to Svirski, and began to run about and look at the studio. They wondered especially at the sketches representing naked bodies, and were stopped by them, for they stood before these sketches, and, punching each other with their elbows, said,—
"Tiens!"
"Regarde!"
Svirski, who was angered by this, looked at his watch and said,—
"If we are to be in time for lunch, we must go at once." He took his hat, and they went out. There were no carriages near the studio, so they walked. The artist passed on with Kresovich, and inquired,—
"Well, how are your pupils?"
Kresovich, turning to him his malignant, sneering face, answered,—
"My pupils? Oh, nothing! They are as healthy as fish, and are comfortable in their Scottish dresses. There will be fun with them; but not for me."
"Why so?"