But he looked at Anastase, and marking his delicate features and light frame, he almost wondered how the lad would look in the garb of a soldier.

"Very good logic; but, my dear Monsieur Gouache, what is to become of your art ?" "I shall not be mounting guard all day, and the Zouaves are allowed to live in their own lodgings.

I will live in my studio, and paint when I am not mounting guard." "And my portrait ?" inquired Cardinal Antonelli, much amused.
"Your Eminence will doubtless be kind enough to manage that I may have liberty to finish it." "You could not put off enlisting for a week, I suppose ?" Gouache looked annoyed; he hated the idea of waiting.
"I have taken too long to make up my mind already," he replied.

"I must make the plunge at once.

I am convinced--your Eminence has convinced me--that I have been very foolish." "I certainly never intended to convince you of that," remarked the Cardinal, with a smile.
"Very foolish," repeated Gouache, not heeding the interruption.