"It must go well with you, madame, you are always so amiable and cheerful," retorted Mlle. Fouchette.
"But you are more lovely every day you grow older," said Madame Podvin.
"Ah! Madame does not grow older!"
"Fouchette, chérie, I'm sure you must belong to a good family, you are so naturally winning and well-bred. The clothes you had on when I found you——"
"Madame?"
"I gave them away—for twenty—yes, it was twenty francs—they were not worth as many sous—to a gentleman——"
Madame Podvin stopped at the sight of Mlle. Fouchette's face; but, uncertain whether the subject pained, interested, or irritated the latter, she continued,——
"It was shortly after you left. He was very curious,—one of these government spies, you know, Fouchette——"
"Madame, I would see Mademoiselle Madeleine," interrupted the other.
Madame Podvin frowned.