nything that I
can't confess to this poor good woman!"

But he hadn't time for sentimental reflections. He had gone too far
to draw back, and it was necessary for him to report the result of his
researches as soon as possible. Accordingly, he hastily ate a morsel,
for he was faint with hunger, and started out again, promising to return
to dinner. He was in all the greater haste as it was Sunday. M. Fortunat
was in the habit of passing these days in the country, and Chupin feared
he might fail to see him if he was not expeditious in his movements. And
while running to the Place de la Bourse, he carefully prepared the story
he meant to relate, deeply impressed by the wisdom of the popular maxim
which says: "It is not always well to tell the whole truth." Ought he
to describe the scene at the restaurant, mention Coralth, and say that
there was nothing more to be done respecting M. Wilkie? After mature
deliberation he decided in the negative. If he revealed everything, M.
Fortunat might become discouraged and abandon the affair. It would be
better to let him discover the truth himself, and profit by his anger to
indicate a means of vengeance.

It happened that M. Fortunat had decided not to go to the country
that Sunday. He had slept later than usual, and was still in his
dressing-gown when Chupin made his appearance. He uttered a joyful cry
on seeing his emissary, feeling assured that he must be the bearer
of good news, since he came so early. "You have succeeded, then?" he
exclaimed.

"Yes, monsieur."

"You have discovered Madame d'Argeles's son?"

"I have him."

"Ah! I knew that you were a clever fellow. Quick, tell me everything.
But no, wait a moment."

He rang the bell, and Madame Dodelin at once made her appearance. "Put
another plate on the table," said the agent. "M. Chupin will breakfast
with me--and serve us at once. You agree, don't you, Victor? It's ten
o'clock; I'm hungry; and we can talk better over a bottle of wine."

This was a great honor; and it gave Chupin a fitting idea of the value
of the service he had rendered. He was not too much elated, however;
though he felt very sorry that he had eaten before he came. On his side,
M. Fortunat by no means regretted having conferred this favor on his
clerk, for the story which the latter related, caused him intense
delight. "Very good!--well done," he exclaimed every other minute. "I
could not have done better myself. You shall be abundantly rewarded,
V