The Englishman waited on the Director forthwith, and from him
learned that such a commission as he had thought of giving to the
young copyist could not be better bestowed in any point of view. The
Director spoke highly of her artistic capabilities, and more highly
still of her character and worth. She had been left an orphan,
wholly unprovided for, several years ago. Her father had gained his
living by copying in the gallery. The old woman, Orsola Steno, with
whom she lived, was no relation to her, but had been the dear friend
of her mother, and had taken the orphan to live with her out of pure
charity. They were very poor,--very poor, indeed. But Paolina was
beginning to do something. She had already sold one or two copies of
small pictures. The larger work, on which she was engaged, she had
undertaken by the advice of the Director, in the hope of disposing
of it when the following summer should bring with it the usual
incoming tide of travellers.
The result was that the stranger, taking with him a little note from
the Director, went again to the gallery the next day, and finding
Signorina Paolina at her post as usual, then and there made his
proposition to her.
He was glad, when in doing so he spoke face to face with the girl,
that the matter had been settled in his mind before he had seen her.
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