He was surprised by the simplicity of the apartment; but he felt in sympathy with it, and with the Cardinal himself; and with the intuitive knowledge of a true artist, he foresaw that he was to paint a successful portrait.
The Cardinal busied himself with some papers while the painter silently made his preparations.
"If your Eminence is ready ?" suggested Gouache.
"At your service, my friend," replied the Cardinal, blandly.

"How shall I sit?
The portrait must be taken in full face, I think." "By all means.

Here, I think--so; the light is very good at this hour, but a little later we shall have the sun.

If your Eminence will look at me--a little more to the left--I think that will do.

I will draw it in in charcoal and your Eminence can judge." "Precisely," returned the Cardinal.