as soon as
he knew of some work of art which might suit them.

Men of the best society had had recourse to him in times of difficulty,
either to find money for gambling, or to pay off a debt, or to sell a
picture, a family jewel, or a tapestry.

It was said that he never refused his services when he saw a chance of
gain.

Boisrene seemed very intimate with this strange merchant. They must have
worked together in many a deal. I observed the man with great interest.

He was tall, thin, bald, and very elegant. His soft, insinuating voice
had a peculiar, tempting charm which seemed to give the objects a
special value. When he held anything in his hands, he turned it round
and round, looking at it with such skill, refinement, and sympathy that
the object seemed immediately to be beautiful and transformed by his
look and touch. And its value increased in one's estimation, after the
object had passed from the showcase into his hands.

"And your Crucifix," said Boisrene, "that beautiful Renaissance Crucifix
which you showed me last year?"

The man smiled and answered:

"It has been sold, and in a very peculiar manner. There is a real
Parisian story for you! Would you like to hear it?"

"With pleasure."

"Do you know the Baroness Samoris?"

"Yes and no. I have seen her once, but I know what she is!"

"You know--everything?"

"Yes."

"Would you mind telling me, so that I can see whether you are not
mistaken?"

"Certainly. Mme. Samoris is a woman of the world who has a daughter,
without anyone having known her husband. At any rate, she is received
in a certain tolerant, or blind society. She goes to church and devoutly
partakes of Communion, so that everyone may know it, and she never
compromises herself. She expects her daughter to marry well. Is that
correct?"

"Yes, but I will complete your information. She is a woman who makes
herself respected by her admirers in spite of everything. That is a rare
quality, for in this manner she can get what she wishes from a man. The
man whom she has chosen without his suspecting it courts her for a long
time, longs for her timidly, wins her with astonishment and possesses
her with consideration. He does not notice that he is paying, she is so
tactful; and she maintains her relations on such a footing of reserve
and dignity that he would slap the first man who dared doubt her in the
least. And all this in the best of faith.

"Several times I have been able to render lit