Edouard was not reassured; however, he tried to divert his thoughts and to drive away his fears. Two young women, frequent guests of these gentlemen, arrived opportunely to enliven the company.
“Parbleu,” said Lampin, “Véronique-la-Blonde must tell us some amusing story; she always knows the most interesting news; that will brace up our friend Bellecour—this was Edouard’s new name—who is rather in the dumps to-night.”
“Oh! I am not just in the mood for fooling,” replied Véronique, with a sigh; “I am sort of upside down myself to-day.”
“It seems to me that you ought to be used to that.”
“Oh! don’t talk a lot of nonsense. Really, my heart is terribly sore.”
“The deuce you say! Have you had trouble with the beaks?”
“No, it ain’t that; but I’ve got a friend who’s mixed up in a bad piece of business, and that troubles me.”
“What business is it? Tell us; perhaps we can help her out of it.”
“Oh, no! The law has got its hand on her, and yet the poor child is as innocent as you and me.”
“The devil! that’s saying a good deal; but tell us what it’s all about.”