"And you followed her again?"
"This time the matter was much easier; I got upon the box with the driver and arrived at her destination as soon as the occupant herself. The carriage drove to No. 8 Rue Contrescarpe. I looked closely at the house and read a sign near the door with the following card: 'Monsieur Magloire, taxidermist.' The lady got out and rang the bell, but to no purpose. Becoming bolder she knocked at the door. A sliding window was opened and a gruff voice asked:
"'Well, what do you want?'
"'I have a letter to deliver,' said the lady softly.
"'From whom?'
"I could not make out what she said. A hand was put through the opening and took the letter, whereupon the sliding window was again closed. The lady waited a while longer and then rode off."
"Did you follow her?"
"Oh, no, why should I have done that? I am interested in Benedetto, and the lady is only a side character. First of all, Monsieur Beauchamp, do you think the story suitable for your paper?"
"Hm! that could be talked over. In the meantime take a cigar."
"Thanks. Have you ever seen the departure of the galley-slaves from Bicetre?"