everybody knew as a stupid child, and whom we looked upon disdainfully.
The appearance of the thing alone would not justify us in selecting
him."

But this remark had its good side, too; for the gentlemen now decided
that, in order that the work be given to the most competent, it would be
advisable to send to Durer all the designs thus far submitted, and ask
his opinion in the matter.

Marie cried bitterly when she heard of the treatment Hans had received;
but Hans did not yet despair. At the same time that these worthy
gentlemen dispatched the designs to Durer, Hans sent a letter to his
great friend and teacher, in whom he had great faith.

Weeks elapsed. The Counselor's attention was directed to affairs of
state, and thus withdrawn from his daughter, who lived and bloomed with
the returning spring.

Hans had opened his desolate house, for which, in the meantime, he had
carved a beautiful front door. Notwithstanding all the depreciation
expressed for the native artist's ability, this door caused quite a
sensation.

Durer's answer was long delayed. At last, after four weeks, the letter
arrived. Who can describe the astonishment of the assembled committee,
as the contents of the letter revealed the design of the disdainfully
rejected applicant, Hans Le Fevre.

Durer wrote, "With the very best intentions, I could recommend no wiser
course for you to pursue than to use the sketch presented by my friend