"Your desire is very disinterested. Unfortunately, there is little hope of its fulfilment, for I am not in a mood to be provoked."
"No, you are in a very tiresome mood, to which your face is admirably adapted; we must give it up for to-day. 'Tis a pity; I should like to give the characteristic expression to my archangel to-day, for he is to be marched out before the aristocratic family whose patron saint he is."
He laid aside his palette and brush with a sigh, but Michael had suddenly grown attentive.
"Before whom is he to be marched out?" said he.
"Before the Countess Steinrück and her daughter---- What's the matter?"
"Nothing; I am only surprised that they should visit your studio. Did you invite them to come?"
"Not exactly, but it came about in the course of conversation. I met the ladies yesterday at Frau von Reval's; they asked about my pictures, the subject of this one seemed to interest them, and they arranged to come here to-day. I have a suspicion that they are thinking of giving me a commission for the church of their patron saint, which would gratify me hugely, for it would prove to my father that my 'daubing' might have practical results; at present he thinks it all child's play. What! are you going?"
"Certainly; you do not want me any longer."
"No; but I told the Countess, who asked after you, that you were always at home at this time, and would be delighted to pay your respects to her."
Michael's face grew dark; he seemed to hesitate for a moment, and then said, coldly, "Then I cannot but stay."