"This is great." Clay exclaims, in a clear baritone to match his flawless body, "I'm... I'm speechless. You are a true artist."
Rene's expression softens. He is clearly pleased by the compliment.
"A good first draft" he replies with non-chalance "we have much to do. Now mouth shut -eyes forward. Let me see what I have to work with here."
Rene paces around muttering to himself in French. From time to time he slides his hand over some part or other of Clay's anatomy, moving his extremities or changing Clay's pose.
He then returns to he front, and stands still. His eyes closed, the index fingers of his clasped hands barely touching his upper lip; an image of concentration.
It is at this time that the back door opens and a beautiful woman enters the room. She is somewhat younger than Rene but the strong resemblance of features leaves no doubt; she is a close relation, probably a sibling. She tip-toes to Rene and waits to be recognized. After a short while she whispers his name lightly - "Rene"
The Frenchman awakes from his trance abruptly and replies sharply in French.
Clay does not understand what is said, but he gathers the artist is not trilled about the interruption in the middle of his work. Clay's dawning suspicions that 'Rene' is the name of the artist and not a woman's name are also confirmed.
The French woman responds with one sentence in which the words "Madame Clare" and "telephone" can be heard.
Rene's attitude changes suddenly.
"Pardon" he apologizes to Clay "there is an important phone call I must attend to."
"Emilie" he says addressing the French woman "please keep my guest company while I'm gone." and quickly disappears through the door.