On the other hand, he knew that Gouache had been painting the Cardinal's portrait, and guessed that the statesman had acquired a strong influence over the artist's mind--an influence which was already showing itself in a way that looked dangerous.

It had never struck him until quite lately that Anastase, a republican by descent and conviction, could suddenly step into the reactionary camp.
"Pardon me, Donna Tullia," said Ugo, in serious tones, "pardon me--but I think we should do well to leave Monsieur Gouache to the contemplation of his new career.

This is no place for us--the company of traitors--" "Look here, Del Ferice," said Gouache, suddenly going up to him and looking him in the face,--"do you seriously believe that anything you have ever said, in this room is worth betraying?
or, if you do, do you really think that I would betray it ?" "Bah!" exclaimed Donna Tullia, interposing, "it is nonsense! Gouache is a gentleman, of course--and besides, I mean to have my portrait, politics or no politics." With this round statement Donna Tullia sat down, and Del Ferice had no choice but to follow her example.

He was profoundly disgusted, but he saw at a glance that it would be hopeless to attempt to dissuade Madame Mayer when she had once made up her mind.
"And now you can tell us all about it," said Donna Tullia.

"What, in the name of all that is senseless, has induced you to join the Zouaves?
It really makes me very nervous to see you." "That lends poetry to your expression," interrupted Gouache.