“True,” said the priest. “I wonder if he had a model.”
“Most likely, but there is more than he ever saw in any common model; the merit rests with himself alone, I should judge.”
“Well, do you think of buying it?”
“I am inclined to do so, but want to examine it more closely first. Besides, I see no one here to represent the painter, or even guard the picture.”
“Oh! I have no doubt there is some one hovering about—perhaps that countryman who looks so vacant. You know the professional tricks of our worthy artists!”
And with this he called the person in question, who surely looked vacant enough to be in disguise.
“Can you tell me what you think of this picture, friend?” he asked.
“Very fine, messire.”
“You do not think it like one of Hendrick Corlaens, do you?”
“I never saw that, messire,” bashfully said the countryman.