The apparition of the sculptor,--for whom the Emperor's protection opened a way to future glory, closed soon after by his premature death,--was like a vision to little Joseph.

The child said nothing to his mother about this adventure, but he spent two hours every Sunday and every Thursday in Chaudet's atelier.

From that time forth, Madame Descoings, who humored the fancies of the two cherubim, kept Joseph supplied with pencils and red chalks, prints and drawing-paper.

At school, the future colorist sketched his masters, drew his comrades, charcoaled the dormitories, and showed surprising assiduity in the drawing-class.

Lemire, the drawing-master, struck not only with the lad's inclination but also with his actual progress, came to tell Madame Bridau of her son's faculty.