How long she stood there Psyche did not know . Giovanni went away unseen , to fill his water-pail , and in the silence she just stood and looked . Her eyes kindled , her color rose , despondency and discontent vanished , and her soul was in her face , for she loved beauty passionately , and all that was best and truest in her did honor to the genius of the unknown worker . `` If I could do a thing like that , I 'd die happy ! '' she exclaimed impetuously , as a feeling of despair came over her at the thought of her own poor attempts . `` Who did it , Giovanni ? '' she asked , still looking up at the grand face with unsatisfied eyes . `` Paul Gage . '' It was not the boy 's voice , and , with a start , Psyche turned to see her Michael Angelo , standing in the doorway , attentively observing her . Being too full of artless admiration to think of herself just yet , she neither blushed nor apologized , but looked straight at him , saying heartily , -- `` You have done a wonderful piece of work , and I envy you more than I can tell ! '' The enthusiasm in her face , the frankness of her manner , seemed to please him , for there was no affectation about either . He gave her a keen , kind glance out of the `` fine gray eyes , '' a little bow , and a grateful smile , saying quietly , -- `` Then my Adam is not a failure in spite of his fall ? '' Psyche turned from the sculptor to his model with increased admiration in her face , and earnestness in her voice , as she exclaimed delighted , -- `` Adam ! I might have known it was he . O sir , you have indeed succeeded , for you have given that figure the power and pathos of the first man who sinned and suffered , and began again . '' `` Then I am satisfied . '' That was all he said , but the look he gave his work was a very eloquent one , for it betrayed that he had paid the price of success in patience and privation , labor and hope . `` What can one do to learn your secret ? '' asked the girl wistfully , for there was nothing in the man 's manner to disturb her self-forgetful mood , but much to foster it , because to the solitary worker this confiding guest was as welcome as the doves who often hopped in at his window . `` Work and wait , and meantime feed heart , soul , and imagination with the best food one can get , '' he answered slowly , finding it impossible to give a receipt for genius .
`` I can work and wait a long time to gain my end ; but I do n't XXXXX where to find the food you speak of ? ''
betrayed gave give know paid rose stood suffered think went