After a few moments' reflection, Paula said to Iris, in a decided tone,—

"Give me paper and a pen."

"What are you going to do?"

"Appoint a meeting with M. de Brévannes, at which you shall be present."

"Can you think of such a thing, godmother? What, write and leave a letter of yours in the hands of such a man! What imprudence! But he does not know your writing?"

"No."

"Suppose I write for you."

"You are right; write to him: The day after to-morrow, at ten o'clock, in the Jardin des Plantes, beneath the cedar in the labyrinth. Have you written it?"

"Yes, godmother."

"Sign, Paula Monti."