A peculiar smile, unnoticed by Louison, played about Robeckal's lips.
"I really do not know," he finally replied, "but it will be between ten and eleven. With such good pay a minute more or less won't make much difference."
"No, but it must not be later than midnight."
"On no account, mademoiselle; if you are afraid, why, I will see you home," Robeckal gallantly cried.
"Good—tell Monsieur Aube I shall be punctual."
"Done. I suppose, mademoiselle, you will not forget to give me a portion of the twenty francs? I was the one, you know, who brought it about."
"With pleasure."
"Then good-by until this evening."
Robeckal hurried down the five flights of stairs. In front of the house a man enveloped in a wide mantle walked up and down.
When he saw Robeckal, he anxiously asked: