“I shall do as your grace directs.”

“You will send me weekly a written statement of all that you see and hear there?”

“I shall send you a written statement,” replied Gabriel, with downcast eyes and a hardly suppressed sigh.

The count saw it and smiled contemptuously.  “You will write these reports to me in ciphers, which I shall acquaint you with, and swear to me that you will give the key to these ciphers to no human being?”

“I swear it, your excellency.”

“Now, since you are so docile and obedient, my dear Master Gabriel, I shall raise your salary.  I had promised you an annuity of five hundred dollars—­I shall now make it six hundred dollars.  Hush! no word of thanks; I can imagine them all or read them in your countenance, and that satisfies me.  Only one thing remains to be decided.  From whom will you receive letters of recommendation to the Electoral Prince?”

“Your excellency, I believe the Electress will have the kindness to furnish me with a letter of recommendation to her son.  Her most gracious highness is very favorably inclined toward me because I painted from memory a miniature of the Electoral Prince, and presented it to her.  Since then she has been very condescending to me, and never refuses me admittance to her presence, and I may as well acknowledge to your excellency that a few days ago the Electress hinted at the probability of a position being offered me as electoral court painter.”

The count laughed aloud.  “I congratulate you, master, and especially upon the salary which will be attached to the office.  Only do not be puffed up and reject the little I have offered you, which you can always draw in secret, even when you have become electoral court painter.  It is well for affairs to stand thus just at this juncture, for it will be easy for the electoral court painter to gain access to the Electoral Prince, and to be received into the number of his household.  Repair to the Electress forthwith, tell her that you wish to travel to Holland in order to prosecute your artistic studies there, and come to me early to-morrow morning and acquaint me with the result of your audience.  Farewell, Master Gabriel; go first to my treasurer and then to the Electress.  No, no, say nothing more; no protestations, no word of thanks.  I know you—­that is enough.”

With proud, courtly mien he nodded to the painter in token of dismissal, waved his hand toward the door, and then seated himself in the window niche beside the Venus, turning his back to the room.

Abashed and humiliated, Gabriel slunk away, and not until the sound of the closing door gave warning of his departure did the count turn around.  His gaze was fixed upon the Venus, who in her wanton beauty met his looks with dark, flashing eyes.

“You have cost me much, fair signora,” he said, shrugging his shoulders.