Cittadino Adorjano lives on the top floor, and the stairs are a trifle steep.

He is out at present, but his studio is open to you." The young lady was reassured.

The honest cobbler evidently did not suspect her of coming to meet his tenant by appointment, but took her for an artist friend on a professional visit, or perhaps a customer come to buy a picture.

The shoemaker took the artist's place, in the latter's absence, and sold his paintings for him.

Perhaps, too, the artist sold his landlord's shoes when that worthy was abroad.
Thus it was that Blanka took the offered arm without a misgiving, and suffered the cobbler to lead her up the steep stairway to the little attic chamber that served her friend for both sleeping-room and studio.
It was as neat as wax, and as light and airy as any painter could desire.