ng paid no
attention to him, and he now advanced with a magnificent salutation
and a friendly wave of the hand. If the Marquis was charmed at meeting
Gandelu, he concealed his delight in a most wonderful manner. He seemed
surprised, but not agreeably so; he bent his head, and he extended his
gloved hand with a negligent, "Ah, pleased to see you." Then without
taking any more notice of Gaston, he turned on his heel and continued
his conversation with Verminet.

"The worst part is over," said he, "and therefore no time is to be lost.
You must see Mascarin and Martin Rigal, the banker, to-day."

At these words Andre started. Were these people Croisenois' accomplices?
Certainly he had accomplices on the brain just now, and their names
remained deeply engraved on the tablets of his memory.

"Tantaine was here this morning," observed Verminet, "and told me that
his master wanted to see me at four this afternoon. Van Klopen will be
there also. Shall I say a word to him about your fine friend?"

"'Pon my soul," remarked the Marquis, shrugging his shoulders, "I had
nearly forgotten her. There will be a tremendous fuss made, for she will
be wanting all sorts of things. Speak to Van Klopen certainly, but do
not bind yourself. Remember that I do not care a bit for the fair Sara."

"Quite so; I understand," answered Verminet; "but keep things quiet, and
do not have any open disturbances."

"Of course not. Good morning," and with a bow to the managing director
and a nod to Gaston, he lunged out of the office, not condescending to
take the slightest notice of Andre. Verminet invited Andre and Gaston
into his sanctum, and, taking a seat, motioned to them to do the same.
Verminet was a decided contrast to his office, which was shabby and
dirty, for his dress did his tailor credit, and he appeared to be clean.
He was neither old nor young, and carried his years well. He was fresh
and plump, wore his whiskers and hair cut in the English fashion, while
his sunken eyes had no more expression in them than those of a fish.

Gandelu was in a hurry to begin.

"Let us get to business," said he. "Last week you lent me some money."

"Just so. Do you want any more?"

"No; I want to return my bills."

A cloud passed over Verminet's face.

"The first does not fall due until the 15th," remarked he.

"No matter; I have the money with me, and I will pay it on you handing
over the bills to me."

"I can't do it."

"And why so, pray?"