And the statesman understood him, too, and was interested by him.
"You may as well forget their chatter.

It does me no harm, and it amuses them.

It does not seem to surprise you that I should know all about it, however.

You have good nerves, Monsieur Gouache." "Of course your Eminence can send me out of Rome tomorrow, if you please," answered Gouache, with perfect unconcern.

"But the portrait will not be finished so soon." "No--that would be a pity.