grin that was anything but
encouraging.

'The better chance that I may find favour with Monsieur de Fouche,'
replied I.

'That remains to be seen, sir,' said he, seating himself in his chair,
and motioning me to a spot in front of it. 'Who are you?'

'A lieutenant of the Ninth Hussars, sir; by name Maurice Tiernay.'

'I don't care for that,' said he impatiently; 'what's your
occupation?--how do you live?--with whom do you associate?'

'I have neither means nor associates. I have been liberated from the
Temple but a few days back; and what is to be my future, and where, are
facts of which I know as little as does Monsieur de Fouche of my past
history.'

'It would seem that every adventurer, every fellow destitute of home,
family, fortune, and position, thinks that his natural refuge lies in
this Ministry, and that I must be his guardian.'

'I never thought so, sir.'

'Then why are you here? What other than personal reasons procures me the
honour of this visit?'

'As Monsieur de Fouche will not believe in my sense of gratitude,
perhaps he may put some faith in my curiosity, and excuse the natural
anxiety I feel to know if Monsieur de Maurepas has really benefited by
the pleasure of my society.'

'_Hardi, monsieur, bien hardi_,' said the minister, with a peculiar
expression of irony about the mouth that made me almost shudder. He rang
a little hand-bell as he spoke, and a servant made his appearance.

'You have forgotten to leave me my snuff-box, Geoffroy,' said he mildly
to the valet, who at once left the room, and speedily returned with a
magnificently chased gold box, on which the initials of the First Consul
were embossed in diamonds.

'Arrange those papers, and place those books on the shelves,' said
the Minister. And then turning to me, as if resuming a previous
conversation, went on--

'As to that memoir of which we were speaking t' other night, monsieur,
it would be exceedingly interesting just now; and I have no doubt that
you will see the propriety of confiding to me what you already promised
to Monsieur de Maurepas.--That will do, Geoffroy; leave us.'

The servant retired, and we were once more alone.

'I possess no secrets, sir, worthy the notice of the Minister of
Police,' said I boldly.

'Of that I may presume to be the better judge,' said Fouche calmly. 'But
waiving this question, there is another of some importance. You have,
partly by accident, partly by a boldness not devoid of peril,