"How long have you been standing there ?" he asked the boy, giving him a friendly little pat on the cheek.
"A quarter of an hour." "What brought you here ?" "I want to be an artist." "Where do you belong?
where do you come from ?" "From mamma's house." "Oh! mamma!" cried the pupils.
"Silence at the easels!" cried Chaudet.

"Who is your mamma ?" "She is Madame Bridau.

My papa, who is dead, was a friend of the Emperor; and if you will teach me to draw, the Emperor will pay all you ask for it." "His father was head of a department at the ministry of the Interior," exclaimed Chaudet, struck by a recollection.

"So you want to be an artist, at your age ?" "Yes, monsieur." "Well, come here just as much as you like; we'll amuse you.

Give him a board, and paper, and chalks, and let him alone.