"Since you persist in regarding me as a curiosity," she said, "you might try what you can discover. Mama is back."
Dossonville, without waiting to be urged twice, made a trip to the shop of the wig-maker and discovered that la Mère Baudrier had indeed returned from the provinces. So that night, toward eleven o'clock, he led his watch-dogs back, relying on a plan of campaign which he had imagined to force a revelation. Stationing Sans-Chagrin at the door, under which showed a slit of light, he knocked and entered without awaiting permission.
A woman, shading a candle, came precipitately down the stairs, crying:
"Who's there, and what do you want?"
"Are you la Mère Baudrier?"
"Well?"
"Are you?"
"Yes."
"Descend; I wish to speak with you."
She came down slowly, regarding him with alarmed surprise.