V
Renovales' behavior was a source of surprise and even scandal for all his friends.
The Countess of Alberca took especial care to let every one know that her only relation with the painter was a friendship which grew constantly colder and more formal.
"He's crazy," she said. "He's finished. There's nothing left of him but a memory of what he once was."
Cotoner in his unswerving friendship was indignant at hearing such comment on the famous master.
"He isn't drinking. All that people say about him is a lie; the usual legend about a celebrated man."
He had his own ideas about Mariano; he knew his longing for a stirring life, his desire to imitate the habits of youth in the prime of life, with a thirst for all the mysteries which he fancied were hidden in this evil life, of which he had heard without ever daring till then to join in them.
Cotoner accepted the master's new habits indulgently. Poor fellow!
"You are putting into action the pictures of 'The Rake's Progress,'" he said to his friend. "You're going the way of all virtuous men when they cease to be so, on the verge of old age. You are making a fool of yourself, Mariano."