_enfin_ the expression!" Here he affected to put in some touches with immense delicacy--then retreated a couple of yards, the better to contemplate his work--pursed up his mouth--ran his fingers through his hair--shaded his eyes with his hand--went back and put in another touch--again retreated--again put in a touch; and so on some three or four times successively.
Meanwhile Monsieur and Madame Tapotte were fidgeting upon their chairs in respectful silence.

Every now and then they exchanged glances of wonder and admiration.

They were evidently dying to compare my august features with my portrait, but dared not take the liberty of rising.

At length the lady's curiosity could hold out no longer.
"_Ah, mon Dieu_!" she said; "but it must be very fatiguing to sit so long in the same position.

And to paint....