It was a view of everyday life, which the painter had entitled, "Outside the Barrier." Two men with torn garments and wine-flushed faces were struggling in tipsy combat, while on the right hand side of the picture lay a woman, bleeding profusely from a cut on the forehead, and two of her terrified companions were bending over her, endeavoring to restore her to consciousness.

In the background were some flying figures, who were hastening up to separate the combatants.

The sketch was one of real life, denuded of any sham element of romance, and this was the one that M.de Breulh had chosen.

The two men discussed the size of the picture, and not a single detail was omitted.
"I am sure that you will do all that is right," remarked De Breulh.

"Let your own inspiration guide you, and all will be well." In reality he was dying to get away, for he felt in what a false position he was, and with a violent effort he approached the money part of the matter.
"Monsieur," said Andre, "it is impossible to fix a price; when completed, a picture may only be worth the canvas that it is painted on, or else beyond all price.