Four young friends—the American artists Miriam, Hilda, and Kenyon along with their Italian friend whom they have nicknamed “Donatello”—visit a sculpture gallery in the Capitol in Rome. Miriam remarks that Donatello bears a striking resemblance to the nearby statue of a faun by the ancient Greek sculptor Praxiteles—a statue in which “the characteristics of the brute creation meet and combine with those of humanity” (10). Donatello strikes a pose just like the statue, and the other three marvel at the resemblance. In an aside to Hilda, Miriam adds that Donatello is a “simpleton” just like the fauns of mythology, and that he is even more foolish for being in love with her (Miriam).

The American friends continue to reflect on Donatello’s resemblance to the Faun; indeed, he seems to possess “the gift of eternal youth” (14). As they are leaving the gallery, the friends notice a shadowy, bearded figure standing behind a pillar. Hilda recognizes him as Miriam’s model.

The American friends continue to reflect on Donatello’s resemblance to the Faun; indeed, he seems to possess “the gift of eternal youth” (14). As they are leaving the gallery, the friends notice a shadowy, bearded figure standing behind a pillar.