"But he is a man of immense intellect, nevertheless." "I am not sure whether I will paint his portrait after all," said Gouache.
"You do not wish to be persuaded ?" "No.

My own ideas please me very well for the present.

I would not exchange them for those of any one else." "May I ask what those ideas are ?" inquired Giovanni, with a show of interest.
"I am a republican," answered Gouache, quietly.

"I am also a good Catholic." "Then you are yourself much more paradoxical than the whole of our Roman society put together," answered Giovanni, with a dry laugh.
"Perhaps.

There comes the most beautiful woman in the world." It was nearly twelve o'clock when Corona arrived, old Astrardente sauntering jauntily by her side, his face arranged with more than usual care, and his glossy wig curled cunningly to represent nature.