what is called the
pistole; that is, be in a cell to myself. I accepted the offer
gratefully, and left these ruffians in the midst of their loud
menaces for the future; 'for,' said they, 'we are sure to meet
again, when I could not get away from them.' The turnkey
conducted me to a cell, where I passed the rest of the night. It
is from here that I now write to you, Mlle. Rigolette. Directly
after my examination I shall be taken to another prison, called
La Force, where I expect to meet many of my companions in the
station-house. The turnkey, interested by my grief and tears,
has promised me to forward this letter to you, although such
kindnesses are strictly forbidden. I ask, Mlle. Rigolette, a
last service of your friendship, if, indeed, you do not blush
now for such an intimacy. In case you will kindly grant my
request, it is this: With this letter you will receive a small
key, and a line for the porter of the house I live in, Boulevard
St. Denis, No. 11. I inform him that you will act as if it were
myself with respect to everything that belongs to me, and that
he is to attend to your instructions. He will take you to my
room, and you will have the goodness to open my _secretaire_
with the key I send you herewith. In this you will find a large
packet containing different papers, which I beg of you to take
care of for me. One of them was intended for you, as you will
see by the address; others have been written of you, in happier
days. Do not be angry. I did not think they would ever come to
your knowledge. I beg you, also, to take the small sum of money
which is in this drawer, as well as a satin bag, which contains
a small orange silk handkerchief, which you wore when we used to
go out on Sundays, and which you gave me on the day I quitted
the Rue du Temple. I should wish that, excepting a little linen
which you will be so good as send to me at La Force, you would
sell the furniture and things I possess; for, whether acquitted
or found guilty, I must of necessity be obliged to quit Paris.
Where shall I go? What are my resources? God only knows. Madame
Bouvard, the saleswoman of the Temple, who has already sold and
bought for me many things, will perhaps take all the furniture,
etc., at once. She is a very fair-dealing woman, and this would
save you a great deal of troubl