human
What is this to be?
gpt
A portrait of a girl.
human
Probably of the complaisant model who ventures into Lochias at night?
gpt
No; a lady of rank will sit to me.
human
An Alexandrian?
gpt
Oh, no. A beauty in the train of the Empress.
human
What is her name? I know all the Roman ladies.
gpt
Balbilla.
human
Balbilla? There are many of that name. What is she like, the lady you mean?
gpt
That is easier to ask than to answer, replied the artist, who, seeing his gray-bearded companion smile, recovered his gay vivacity,
human
But stay-- you have seen a peacock spread its tail--now only imagine that every eye in the train of Hera's bird was a graceful round curl, and that in the middle of the circle there was a charming, intelligent girl's face, with a merry little nose, and a rather too high forehead, and you will have the portrait of the young damsel who has graciously permitted me to model from her person.
gpt
Stand aside--I know your maiden--and if I mean a different one you shall tell me.