He disappeared for a few moments and returned with a used book which he must have used many times. He turned the pages and gave wordy commentary about the illustrations. One of them held his attention particularly. His hand trembled... I leaned over and saw three engravings. Of Athena, Diana and Venus. The reproduction of Venus struck me immediately. My lips outlined a smile: the whimsical engraving showed a goddess with a generous chest, a light loincloth around her waist! I kept my reflections for myself.