“Do you think so?” murmured the flattered artist. “Yes; it is a most delicate art, needing great distinction of style. It cannot be handled by masons in the art of painting.” For twelve years the Countess had encouraged the painter's leaning toward the distinguished in art, opposing his occasional return to the simplicity of realism; and, in consideration of the demands of fashionable modern elegance, she had tenderly urged him toward an ideal of grace that was slightly affected and artificial. “What is the Princess like?” she asked. He was compelled to give her all sorts of details--those minute details in which the jealous and subtle curiosity of women delights, passing from remarks upon her toilet to criticisms of her intelligence. Suddenly she inquired: “Does she flirt with you?” He laughed, and declared that she did not. Then, putting both hands on the shoulders of the painter, the Countess gazed fixedly at him. The ardor of her questioning look caused a quiver in the pupils of her blue eyes, flecked with almost imperceptible black points, like tiny ink-spots. Again she murmured: “Truly, now, she is not a flirt?” “No, indeed, I assure you!” “Well, I am quite reassured on another account,” said the Countess. “You never will love anyone but me now. It is all over for the others. It is too late, my poor dear!” The painter experienced that slight painful emotion which touches the heart of middle-aged men when some one mentions their age; and he murmured: “To-day and to-morrow, as yesterday, there never has been in my life, and never will be, anyone but you, Any.” She took him by the arm, and turning again toward the divan made him sit beside her. “Of what were you thinking?” she asked. “I am looking for a subject to paint.” “What, pray?” “I don't know, you see, since I am still seeking it.” “What have you been doing lately?” He was obliged to tell her of all the visits he had received, about all the dinners and soirees he had attended, and to repeat all the conversations and chit-chat. Both were really interested in all these futile and familiar details of fashionable life. The little rivalries, the flirtations, either well known or suspected, the judgments, a thousand times heard and repeated, upon the same persons, the same events and opinions, were bearing away and drowning both their minds in that troubled and agitated stream called Parisian life. Knowing everyone in all classes of society, he as an artist to whom all doors were open, she as the elegant wife of a Conservative deputy, they were experts in that sport of brilliant French chatter, amiably satirical, banal, brilliant but futile, with a certain shibboleth which gives a particular and greatly envied reputation to those whose tongues have become supple in this sort of malicious small talk. “When are you coming to dine?” she asked suddenly. “Whenever you wish. Name your day.”