t;
do not let him see your face. But why is he so long in coming?"

Blanche was not deceived. It was Chupin's eldest son; the one to whom
the dying poacher had confided his secret.

Since his arrival in Paris he had been running the streets from morning
until evening, inquiring everywhere and of everybody the address of the
Marquis de Sairmeuse. At last he discovered it; and he lost no time in
presenting himself at the Hotel Meurice.

He was now awaiting the result of his application at the entrance of the
hotel, where he stood whistling, with his hands in his pockets, when the
servant returned, saying:

"She consents to see you; follow me."

Chupin obeyed; but the servant, greatly astonished, and on fire with
curiosity, loitered by the way in the hope of obtaining some explanation
from this country youth.

"I do not say it to flatter you, my boy," he remarked, "but your name
produced a great effect upon madame."

The prudent peasant carefully concealed the joy he felt on receiving
this information.

"How does it happen that she knows you?" pursued the servant. "Are you
both from the same place?"

"I am her foster-brother."

The servant did not believe a word of this response; but they had
reached the apartment of the marquise, he opened the door and ushered
Chupin into the room.

The peasant had prepared a little story in advance, but he was so
dazzled by the magnificence around him that he stood motionless with
staring eyes and gaping mouth. His wonder was increased by a large
mirror opposite the door, in which he could survey himself from head
to foot, and by the beautiful flowers on the carpet, which he feared to
crush beneath his heavy shoes.

After a moment, Mme. Blanche decided to break the silence.

"What do you wish?" she demanded.

With many circumlocutions Chupin explained that he had been obliged to
leave Sairmeuse on account of the numerous enemies he had there, that
he had been unable to find his father's hidden treasure, and that he was
consequently without resources.

"Enough!" interrupted Mme. Blanche. Then in a manner not in the least
friendly, she continued: "I do not understand why you should apply to
me. You and all the rest of your family have anything but an enviable
reputation in Sairmeuse; still, as you are from that part of the
country, I am willing to aid you a little on condition that you do not
apply to me again."

Chupin listened to this homily with a half-cringing, ha