"
"But it would not be this one," replied she; and then, as if ashamed
of having said too much, she ran out into the garden.
"Then I shall break the mould and the model as soon as I go home,"
said Steinbock.
"Fetch me your papers, and you will hear of me before long, if you are
equal to what I expect of you, monsieur."
The artist on this could but take leave. After bowing to Madame Hulot
and Hortense, who came in from the garden on purpose, he went off to
walk in the Tuileries, not bearing--not daring--to return to his
attic, where his tyrant would pelt him with questions and wring his
secret from him.
Hortense's adorer conceived of groups and statues by the hundred; he
felt strong enough to hew the marble himself, like Canova, who was
also a feeble man, and nearly died of it. He was transfigured by
Hortense, who was to him inspiration made visible.
"Now then," said the Baroness to her daughter, "what does all this
mean?"
"Well, dear mamma, you have just seen Cousin Lisbeth's lover, who now,
I hope, is mine. But shut your eyes, know nothing. Good Heavens! I was
to keep it all from you, and I cannot help telling you everything----"
"Good-bye, children!" said the Baron, kissing his wife and daughter;
"I shall perhaps go to call on the Nanny, and from her I shall hear a
great deal about our young man.
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