Come to my room." We went upstairs together, followed by the wise yet doleful Leo, who seemed determined not to let his mistress out of his sight.

When we arrived at our destination, Zara pushed me gently into an easy-chair, and seated herself in another one opposite.
"I am going to ask a favour of you," she began; "because I know you will do anything to please me or Casimir.

Is it not so ?" I assured her she might rely upon my observing; with the truest fidelity any request of hers, small or great.
She thanked me and resumed: "You know I have been working secretly in my studio for some time past.
I have been occupied in the execution of two designs--one is finished, and is intended as a gift to Casimir.

The other"-- she hesitated--"is incomplete.

It is the colossal figure which was veiled when you first came in to see my little statue of 'Evening'.