During dinner the colporteur turned the conversation; he had formed his resolution, and he intended to communicate it privately to the corporal.
'And pray,' said Percenez; 'Nicholas, what is that statue you are engaged upon now? I have observed it becoming every day more distinct and life-like.'
'It is a S. Généviève,' answered the young man, slightly colouring; 'you know who she was—a shepherd girl.'
'So I have perceived. For whom are you carving it?'
'For S. Étienne du Mont. It has been ordered long, but I felt no inspiration till of late.'
'Do you carve the figures without copies or models?'
'I generally have a model; my father or Madeleine stands for me, but they will not suit all subjects.'
'And this S. Généviève?'
The young man became crimson.
'I thought I traced a resemblance,' said Percenez, slyly. 'Have you persuaded any one else to stand as a model?'