It was not probable that the expectations of the girl before him as to remuneration would go beyond such sum as he was willing to pay.

And lastly--though truly not least in that Englishman's mind--it might be that such a proposal would be a very acceptable boon to a poor and meritorious artist.

So managing to speak to the attendant, when he was at a far part of the gallery, he learned from him that the girl's name was Paolina Foscarelli; that the old woman was, the officer believed, her aunt; that her name was Orsola Steno; and that they lived together at No.

8 in the Campo San Donato.
That same evening the stranger desired his servitore di piazza to make inquiries about Signora Orsola Steno, and her niece, who copied in the gallery; and the next morning he was told that, if he would call upon the Director of the Gallery, that gentleman would be happy to reply to any inquiries about the Signorina Paolina Foscarelli.
The Englishman waited on the Director forthwith, and from him learned that such a commission as he had thought of giving to the young copyist could not be better bestowed in any point of view.

The Director spoke highly of her artistic capabilities, and more highly still of her character and worth.