to be alone, by a loquacity which was
intended to be encouraging. Her present doleful appearance was therefore
the more surprising.

"What is the matter, Marie?" Jeanne asked.

"The doctor wants to see you in his study."

"I wasn't thinking of your message, but of your appearance. You have
been crying."

"Yes, that's the reason," Marie answered. "The master wants to see you,
and it's Saturday morning."

Jeanne had forgotten the day, and the information, coupled with the
message, startled her for a moment.

"There is no need to be afraid, Marie," she said quietly.

"I know you're brave, you couldn't be anything else," returned the girl,
"but I know what Saturday morning in that study means. Mademoiselle,
I'll do anything I can. No one takes any notice of me. I can slip out of
the house almost any time I like."

"Thank you, Marie. I will not forget."

In spite of the servant girl's pessimistic view, Jeanne had little
apprehension as she went to the doctor's study, and Legrand's method of
receiving her was reassuring. He rose, bowed low and placed a chair for
her. He spoke of the pleasant crispness in the air, of the little dance
which had taken place in the salon on the previous night.

"Even the Abbe was persuaded to a few steps," he laughed. "It was very
amusing."

"I am waiting to hear the business which necessitates my presence here,"
said Jeanne.

"Ah, mademoiselle, it is a painful matter; it pains me. There is no
remittance from Monsieur Bruslart this week. It has always come on
Friday night, but this is Saturday morning and it is still not here."

Jeanne did not answer for a moment.

"Of course there is some mistake," she said.

"I thought so," said Legrand. "It did not trouble me much last night,
but this morning--mademoiselle, I was so surprised that I called on
Monsieur Bruslart this morning. He has left Paris."

"Gone!"

"Leaving no word behind him, mademoiselle."

"It is more likely that he has been arrested," said Jeanne.

"I have inquired. He has not been arrested, but he would have been had
he remained."

"Are you suggesting that he has run away without a thought for me?"

"Mademoiselle, the most prominent members of my profession have little
knowledge of men's thoughts. Of the working of Monsieur Bruslart's mind
I know nothing; I only know that he has left Paris without sending
money."

"And the consequence to me?" asked Jeanne.

"That is what pains me," Legrand answered. "Th