the young lady to Gudel, "if you have no seats
where I can avoid contact with the crowd? I am ready to pay any sum you
ask."

"Oh! we have but one price, ten sous."

The governess uttered a small gasp, and the young girl shrugged her
shoulders impatiently.

She drew out a handful of gold pieces from her bag.

"Take these," she said, "and do the best you can for me."

Gudel was puzzled and troubled.

"Fanfar!" he called, "have you time to construct a sort of private box
for these ladies?"

Fanfar advanced, and when Caillette saw the admiring gaze he riveted on
the stranger, she clenched her little hands.

"I don't think I quite understand," he said.

Irene replied:

"It is a very simple matter. I desire to be present at your exhibition,
and I do not care to mingle with the vulgar herd."

Fanfar listened to these words very coldly, and then said:

"What you ask is impossible."

"I don't know about that," interposed Gudel, quickly. "I think a private
box could be quickly made with a few boards--"

"Only I refuse to make it," said Fanfar.

"You refuse?"

Irene started. Caillette smiled and blushed.

"And may I know why?" asked the stranger, with a disdainful smile. "Why
does----" She hesitated for the name. Fanfar supplied it. "Why does
Monsieur Fanfar refuse to gain a few louis for his master?"

"Not his master," said Gudel, hastily.

"Let me speak," interrupted Fanfar. "I will explain to the lady. Our
public are bourgeois and common folk who support us, and bring us
success. Their hands are large, but they applaud well. They are good
people, and I do not wish to humiliate them. To do what you ask would
wound them deeply."

Irene listened, with a frown.

Gudel retreated to the background where he indulged in a silent laugh.

Fanfar waited, calmly.

"This is a lesson you read me?" she said, at last.

"No, Mademoiselle, it is only advice. Make yourself beloved by these
peasants. I have much to do, and pray that you will excuse me."

He bowed, and was about to retire.

"Monsieur Fanfar," said Irene, "you are right, and I thank you."

Then, turning to Gudel, she asked him with bewitching grace to retain
two seats for her.

"Certainly, and the best. Will we not, Fanfar?"

The young man met Irene's eyes, and started.

"Will you give these few louis to the poor?" added Irene, "and I will
accept two seats gratefully."

CHAPTER XV.

MASTER AND SERVANT.

When the young girl, foll