"Ah, Monsieur Fanfaro," said the landlord vivaciously, "Heaven sends you at the right time. Forget all the troubles and the cares I have caused you; I will never say another word against athletes and acrobats, but help us!"
"What has happened?" asked Fanfaro in astonishment. "I just came home and found every one in the restaurant excited. I asked, but no one knew anything, so I hurried here. Tell me what I can do for you; I am ready."
"May God reward you, Monsieur Fanfaro; oh, if it is only not too late."
"Monsieur Aube," asked Fanfaro, politely, "what is the matter?"
"A young girl—it will bring me to my grave when I think that such a thing should happen in my house—I—"
"Landlord," interrupted Arthur, "let me tell the story to the gentleman.
"Unfortunately," continued Montferrand, turning to Fanfaro, "I am mixed up in the affair myself. I let myself be persuaded by the Vicomte de Talizac—"
"I thought so," growled Fanfaro.
"And his friend Velletri to accompany them here—"