CHAPTER XXIII.
It was broad day. Eusebe had been awake for a long time, impatiently awaiting a convenient hour to visit the operatic artiste. He thought of going to a splendid store he had noticed on the Boulevards, and of purchasing at that establishment an elegant and fashionable suit. But, upon reflection, he concluded to present himself in the habiliments which he already possessed.
“Of what use would that be,” thought the provincial, “since this woman loves nothing, and sells herself to the first comer? The toilet will be unavailing: it is money that is necessary.”
It had been sufficient for these unthinking persons to pronounce the word “money” before the poor rustic, to make him as calculating as a miser.
As soon as he could with any degree of propriety call at the theatre, Eusebe did so, for the purpose of ascertaining the address of Adéonne. The hour of noon had sounded, when the provincial, with a hesitating voice, said to a young and pretty femme de chambre, who opened the door at the singer’s residence,—
“I desire to speak to M’lle Adéonne.”
“If monsieur will wait,” said the girl, showing him into a small parlor, “I will go and ask madame if she can receive monsieur. Will monsieur give me his name?”
“It is useless,” replied the visitor: “your mistress does not know me. Tell her I come to see her concerning some very important business.”