"I will not say so any more, La Louve; but since you have shown some interest for me, you will let me be grateful to you for it, will you not?"
"To-night I shall be in another hall from you, or alone in the dungeon; and soon I shall be away from here."
"And where will you go?"
"Home; Rue Pierre Lescot. I have my own furnished room."
"And Martial!" said La Goualeuse, who hoped to continue the conversation by speaking of an object interesting to her; "you'll be very happy to see him?"
"Yes; oh, yes!" answered she. "When I was arrested he was recovering from sickness—a fever which he had, because he is always on the water. For sixteen or seventeen nights I never left him for a moment. I sold half that I possessed to pay for a doctor and medicines. I can boast of it; and I do boast of it. If my man lives, he owes it to me. I yesterday burned a candle before the Virgin for him. It is foolish; but never mind, some very good effects have proceeded from this, for he is convalescent."
"Where is he now? what does he do?"
"He lives near the Asnieres Bridge, on the shore."
"On the shore?"
"Yes, with his family, in a solitary house. He is always warring with the river-keepers; and when once he is in his boat, with his double-barreled gun, it's no good to approach him!" said La Louve, proudly.