He touched it lovingly, loosed the cord, and lifted the piece from the pad, turning it towards the light and searching critically for any defect in the modelling of the little face.

He replaced it on the table, and selecting a very fine-pointed punch, laid down his pipe for a moment and set about putting the tiny pupils into the eyes.

Two touches were enough.

He began smoking again, and contemplated what he had done.

It was the body of a large silver ewer of which Gianbattista was ornamenting the neck and mouth, which were of a separate piece.