"No, no; the trade is not amusing."
"Well, I will add three crowns a day to your pay while you are there, and I will give the shop to your eldest daughter. Bring me such letters often, and you shall be welcome."
Tapin returned to the hotel, but waited for the morning to deliver the letter.
At six o'clock, hearing Gaston moving, he entered, and gave him the note.
This was what it contained:
"My Friend—I think of your advice, and that perhaps you were right at last, I fear. A carriage has just arrived—Madame Desroches orders departure—I tried to resist—they shut me up in my room; fortunately, a peasant passed by to water his horse; I have given him two louis, and he promised to take you this note. I hear the last preparations—in two hours we leave for Paris.
"On my arrival, I will send you my address, if I have to jump out of the window and bring it.
"Be assured, the woman who loves you will remain worthy of herself and you."
"Ah, Helene!" cried Gaston; "I was not deceived. Eight o'clock, but she must have arrived. Why was not this letter brought to me at once?"
"You were asleep, monsieur. I waited your awaking."