Page:Hoffmann's Strange Stories - Hoffman - 1855.djvu/247

 the abortion Pitichinaccio has finished his functions of chamber-maid, signor Pasquale takes him in his arms, and"

At this moment, Salvator's door was noisily opened, and signor Pasquale Capuzzi appeared in person, and richly caparisoned, to the eyes of the two friends. At the sight of Scacciati, a shock, like the effect produced by the torpedo, stopped him short, breathless and stupified. Salvator arose, and taking him by both hands:

"Indeed, my worthy lord," said he to him, "your visit fills me with joy; is the purpose of it to see my new productions, or to give me an order? In what manner can I serve you?"

"I come expressly to see you," stammered Capuzzi; "but, as I want to talk alone with you, we will put it off until a more convenient time."

"God forbid," replied Salvator; "you cannot choose your time better; and I congratulate myself on being able to make you acquainted with the first artist in Rome, Antonio Scacciati, author of the famous Magdalen at the feet of Christ."

At these words, the old man trembled every limb; his red eyes flashed furious looks at poor Antonio, who, concentrating all his remaining self-possession, made, nevertheless, the most careless and easy salutation, adding, in the tone of a great lord, and emphasizing every syllable, that he judged himself too happy at such a meeting, and at being able to salute a man, who, of all Italy, possessed in the highest degree the love of science and the arts.

Capuzzi, swallowing his anger in favor of this warm eulogium, screwed his mouth into a smile, twirled his moustache, and, after several "I thank you's," inarticulately uttered, he hastened to remind Salvator of his little debt of ten ducats:

"I am at your orders for that trifle," said the painter, "but will you please to throw a glance on this sketch, and accept a goblet of excellent Syracuse?"

And, suiting the action to the word, Salvator placed his easel in the most favorable light for the drawing he wished to