"We came from Fontainebleau on foot; we have not a single penny," he
said.

Lucien gave his purse to his compatriot, telling him to come to him
the next day, that arrangements might be made to secure the comfort of
the family. The value of Piombo's property in Corsica, if sold, would
scarcely maintain him honorably in Paris.

Fifteen years elapsed between the time of Piombo's arrival with his
family in Paris and the following event, which would be scarcely
intelligible to the reader without this narrative of the foregoing
circumstances.



CHAPTER II

THE STUDIO

Servin, one of our most distinguished artists, was the first to
conceive of the idea of opening a studio for young girls who wished to
take lessons in painting.

About forty years of age, a man of the purest morals, entirely given
up to his art, he had married from inclination the dowerless daughter
of a general. At first the mothers of his pupils bought their
daughters themselves to the studio; then they were satisfied to send
them alone, after knowing the master's principles and the pains he
took to deserve their confidence.