CHAPTER XXV


Three years later, with the approval of Le Brux, Lewis exhibited the
"Startled Woman." He did not name it. It named itself. There was no
single remarkable trait in the handling of the life-size nude figure
beyond its triumph as a whole--its sure impression of alarm.

Leighton came to Paris for his son's début. When he saw the statue, he
said:

"It is not great. You are not old enough for that. But it will be a
success, probably a sensation. What else have you done?"

All the modeling that Lewis had accumulated in the three years of his
apprenticeship was passed in review. Leighton scarcely looked at the
casts. He kept his eyes on Le Brux's face and measured his changing
expression.

"Is that all?" he asked.

"Yes," said Lewis.

"Well," said Leighton, "I suggest we destroy the lot. What do you say,
Le Brux?"

Le Brux raised his bushy eyebrows, shrugged his shoulders, and threw out
his hands.