Truly, I don't know
whether the cats and monkeys imitate us, or whether it's we who imitate
them." I congratulated him on his philosophy, and he resumed: "You will
do use the honour to admit that I have handled my subjects with delicacy.
Eh, it was needed, signore! I have been free, but not too free--eh? Just
a hint, you know! You may see as much or as little as you please. These
little groups, however, are no measure of my invention. If you will
favour me with a call at my studio, I think that you will admit that my
combinations are really infinite. I likewise execute figures to command.
You have perhaps some little motive--the fruit of your philosophy of
life, signore--which you would like to have interpreted. I can promise
to work it up to your satisfaction; it shall be as malicious as you
please! Allow me to present you with my card, and to remind you that my
prices are moderate. Only sixty francs for a little group like that. My
statuettes are as durable as bronze--_aere perennius_, signore--and,
between ourselves, I think they are more amusing!"
As I pocketed his card I glanced at Madonna Serafina, wondering whether
she had an eye for contrasts.
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