"You forget I did not paint the picture," I said in a low voice.
"The State," he went on, "desires to acquire it."
"You forget the picture belongs to my husband."
"You know most painters, Madame; will you consent to act as my guide?"
"Yes, with M. Bonnat's indispensable assistance."
I took the President quickly past the works of famous painters—those loaded with honours and wealth—and made him stop before the paintings of little-known and talented artists who needed—and deserved—recognition; and I had the satisfaction of seeing Félix Faure and a few members of his suite make a note of the names of certain young but promising painters....
"I am taking advantage of your kindness, Madame, but I am the President of the Republic, and I am sure you are a patriot.... You hail from the Eastern frontier?..."
"My birth-place is only half an hour from Alsace... but one may be a patriot without being attached to the Republic, M. le President. Who knows but that I am a Bonapartist?"
Félix Faure promptly replied: "I should understand if there were still a Bonaparte!"
We parted, and with a few close friends, I went round the various rooms. Just as I was about to leave, M. Roujon, Director at the Ministry of Fine Arts, rushed towards me....