She met her father below and inquired after Batoche.
"He is not here, my dear, but may return to-night."
"I have a letter for him."
"A letter for Batoche?"
"That is, a letter which I would wish him to carry?"
"For whom?"
"For Zulma Sarpy."
"Oh, that is very well. Write to Zulma. Cultivate her friendship. She is a grand girl."
Batoche did call again at M. Belmont's that night, but it was only for a moment, as he was about to betake himself once more out of the town. He accepted Pauline's commission with alacrity.
"I will deliver the letter myself," he said. "I am glad of the chance to see that magnificent creature again."