n--describing the young man's listless look as he received the
book, and endeavouring to prove, that had Andre been aware of its
contents, his companion need scarcely have made the excuse he did for
leaving it with him. At this moment, a slight movement was observed
among the crowd, and two men were brought forward, and placed beside
Andre. At their appearance, a scream escaped from Lucille; and,
turning to her mother, she pointed them out, while the name of Jules
Giraud burst from her lips. Hearing his own name, one of the men
looked up, and glanced towards the spot where the young girl stood.
His eyes met hers, and a flush overspread his face; then, after a
momentary struggle, which depicted itself in the workings of his
countenance, he exclaimed: 'Let the boy go: we have injured him enough
already. He is innocent.'

'What do you mean?' inquired the magistrate; while a look of heartfelt
gratitude from Lucille urged Giraud to proceed.

'Andre knows nothing of this robbery,' he continued; 'his sole
connection with us arises from a promise we gave him, to find him
employment in Paris; and all the money he received we took from him
under the pretence of doing so. Yesterday morning, we met him for the
purpose of again deceiving him, but failed. He had a louis-d'or; but
it had been given him by his _fiancee_, that he might return home, and
he was determined to fulfil his promise. I would have taken his last
sou; for he'--and the destined _forcat_ ground his teeth--'for he owed
me a debt! However,' he continued recklessly, 'it is all over now. I
am off for the galleys, that's clear enough; and before starting, I
would do something for Lucille.'

'How had the accused harmed you?' asked the magistrate.

Giraud hesitated; but Madame Delmont came forward, and exclaimed: 'I
will tell you, monsieur. He wished to marry my daughter himself; and
I,' she added, in a tone of deep self-reproach, 'would almost have
forced her to consent.'

The same evening, Madame Delmont, Andre, and Lucille were seated
together, conversing upon what had passed, and deliberating as to the
best means of accomplishing an immediate return to Normandie, when a
gentle tap was heard at the door, and the old hairdresser entered the
room. He appeared embarrassed; but at length, with a great effort
restraining his emotion, he placed a little packet in Lucille's hand,
and exclaimed: 'Here, child, I did not give you half enough for that
beautiful hair of your