By the corner of the Toledo he was arrested by Nicot.

"Ah, Glyndon! I have not seen you this month. Where have you hid
yourself? Have you been absorbed in your studies?"

"Yes."

"I am about to leave Naples for Paris. Will you accompany me? Talent of
all order is eagerly sought for there, and will be sure to rise."

"I thank you; I have other schemes for the present."

"So laconic!--what ails you? Do you grieve for the loss of the
Pisani? Take example by me. I have already consoled myself with Bianca
Sacchini,--a handsome woman, enlightened, no prejudices. A valuable
creature I shall find her, no doubt. But as for this Zanoni!"

"What of him?"

"If ever I paint an allegorical subject, I will take his likeness as
Satan. Ha, ha! a true painter's revenge,--eh? And the way of the world,
too! When we can do nothing else against a man whom we hate, we can at
least paint his effigies as the Devil's. Seriously, though: I abhor that
man."

"Wherefore?'

"Wherefore! Has he not carried off the wife and the dowry I had marked
for myself! Yet, after all," added Nicot, musingly, "had he served
instead of injured me, I should have hated him all the same. His very