about it," continued he. "The first time was when she
went to mass; it came on to rain suddenly, and Modeste, her maid, begged
me to go for an umbrella. As soon as I came back I went in and saw
Mademoiselle Sabine standing by the receptacle for holy water, talking
to a young fellow. Of course I dodged behind a pillar, and kept a watch
on the pair--"

"But you don't found all your story on this?"

"I think you would, had you seen the way they looked into each other's
eyes."

"What was he like?"

"Very good looking, about my height, with an aristocratic air."

"How about the second time?"

"Ah, that is a longer story. I went one day with Mademoiselle when she
was going to see a friend in the Rue Marboeuf. She waited at a corner of
the street, and beckoned me to her. 'Florestan,' said she, 'I forgot to
post this letter; go and do so; I will wait here for you.'"

"Of course you read it?"

"No. I thought there was something wrong. She wants to get rid of you,
so, instead of posting it, I slunk behind a tree and waited. I had
hardly done so, when the young fellow I had seen at the chapel came
round the corner; but I scarcely knew him. He was dressed just like a
working man, in a blouse all over plaster. They talked for about
ten minutes, and Mademoiselle Sabine gave him what looked like a
photograph."

By this time the bottle was empty, and Florestan was about to call for
another, when Mascarin checked him, saying--

"Not to-day; it is growing late, and I must tell you what I want you to
do for me. Is the Count at home now?"

"Of course he is; he has not left his room for two days, owing to having
slipped going downstairs."

"Well, my lad, I must see your master; and if I sent up my card, the
odds are he would not see me, so I rely upon you to show me up without
announcing me."

Florestan remained silent for a few minutes.

"It is no easy job," he muttered, "for the Count does not like
unexpected visitors, and the Countess is with him just now. However, as
I am not going to stay, I'll chance it."

Mascarin rose from his seat.

"We must not be seen together," said he; "I'll settle the score; do you
go on, and I will follow in five minutes. Remember we don't know each
other."

"I am fly; and mind you look out a good place for me."

Mascarin paid the bill, and then looked into the _cafe_ to inform the
doctor of his movements, and a few minutes later, Florestan in his
most sonorous voice, threw open the d