sieur Lebeau, you are a brick."

"A what, Monsieur!--a brique?"

"I forgot; you are not up to our fashionable London idioms. A brick
means a jolly fellow, and it is very kind in you to call. What is your
decision?"

"Monsieur, I can give you some information, but it is so slight that
I offer it gratis, and forego all thought of undertaking further
inquiries. They could only be prosecuted in another country, and it
would not be worth my while to leave Paris on the chance of gaining so
trifling a reward as you propose. Judge for yourself. In the year 1849,
and in the month of July, Louise Duval left Paris for Aix-la-Chapelle.
There she remained some weeks, and then left it. I can learn no further
traces of her movements."

"Aix-la-Chapelle! What could she do there?"

"It is a Spa in great request; crowded during the summer season with
visitors from all countries. She might have gone there for health or for
pleasure."

"Do you think that one could learn more at the Spa itself if one went
there?"

"Possibly. But it is so long,--twenty years ago."

"She might have revisited the place."

"Certainly; but I know no more."

"Was she there under the same name,--Duval?"

"I am sure of that."

"Do you think she left it alone or with others? You tell me she was
awfully belle; she might have attracted admirers."

"If," answered Lebeau, reluctantly, "I could believe the report of my
informant, Louise Duval left Aix not alone, but with some gallant; not
an Englishman. They are said to have parted soon, and the man is now
dead. But, speaking frankly, I do not think Mademoiselle Duval would
have thus compromised her honour and sacrificed her future. I believe
she would have scorned all proposals that were not those of marriage.
But all I can say for certainty is that nothing is known to me of her
fate since she quitted Aix-la-Chapelle."

"In 1849? She had then a child living."

"A child? I never heard that she had any child; and I do not believe she
could have had any child in 1849."

Graham mused. Somewhat less than five years after 1849 Louise Duval had
been seen at Aix-la-Chapelle. Possibly she found some attraction at
that place, and might yet be discovered there. "Monsieur Lebeau," said
Graham, "you know this lady by sight; you would recognize her in spite
of the lapse of years. Will you go to Aix and find out there what you
can? Of course, expenses will be paid, and the reward will be given if
you succeed."