The landlord of the establishment came across.

“Do you often have this housewarming?”

The painter replied: 

“I believe you, every three months, each quarter.”

M. Saval could not restrain himself any longer, and in a hesitating voice said: 

“I beg your pardon for intruding on you, monsieur, but I heard your name mentioned, and I would be very glad to know if you really are M. Romantin, whose work in the last Salon I have so much admired?”

The painter answered: 

“I am the very person, monsieur.”

The notary then paid the artist a very well-turned compliment, showing that he was a man of culture.

The painter, gratified, thanked him politely in reply.

Then they chattered.  Romantin returned to the subject of his house-warming, going into details as to the magnificence of the forthcoming entertainment.

M. Saval questioned him as to all the men he was going to receive, adding: 

“It would be an extraordinary piece of good fortune for a stranger to meet at one time so many celebrities assembled in the studio of an artist of your rank.”

Romantin, vanquished, replied: 

“If it would be agreeable to you, come.”

M. Saval accepted the invitation with enthusiasm, reflecting: 

“I shall have time enough to see Henri VIII.”

Both of them had finished their meal.  The notary insisted on paying the two bills, wishing to repay his neighbor’s civilities.  He also paid for the drinks of the young fellows in red velvet; then he left the establishment with the painter.

They stopped in front of a very long, low house, the first story having the appearance of an interminable conservatory.  Six studios stood in a row with their fronts facing the boulevards.

Romantin was the first to enter, and, ascending the stairs, he opened a door, and lighted a match and then a candle.

They found themselves in an immense apartment, the furniture of which consisted of three chairs, two easels, and a few sketches standing on the ground along the walls.  M. Saval remained standing at the door somewhat astonished.

The painter remarked: 

“Here you are! we’ve got to the spot; but everything has yet to be done.”

Then, examining the high, bare apartment, its ceiling disappearing in the darkness, he said: 

“We might make a great deal out of this studio.”

He walked round it, surveying it with the utmost attention, then went on: 

“I know someone who might easily give a helping hand.  Women are incomparable for hanging drapery.  But I sent her to the country for to-day in order to get her off my hands this evening.  It is not that she bores me, but she is too much lacking in the ways of good society.  It would be embarrassing to my guests.”

He reflected for a few seconds, and then added: