The mistiness of my brain suddenly cleared; I saw everything plainly; I heard distinctly; and when I spoke, the tone of my voice sounded as full and ringing as it had previously seemed low and muffled.

I gazed steadfastly at the painting, and replied, half smiling: "I should be indeed 'far gone,' as the saying is, if I could not see that, signor! It is truly your masterpiece.

Why have you never exhibited it ?" "Can YOU ask that ?" he said with impressive emphasis, at the same time drawing nearer and fixing upon me the penetrating glance of his dark fathomless eyes.

It then seemed to me that some great inner force compelled me to answer this half-inquiry, in words of which I had taken no previous thought, and which, as I uttered them, conveyed no special meaning to my own ears.
"Of course," I said slowly, as if I were repeating a lesson, "you would not so betray the high trust committed to your charge." "Well said!" replied Cellini; "you are fatigued, mademoiselle.

Au revoir! Till to-morrow!" And, throwing open the door of his studio, he stood aside for me to pass out.