"Yes, monsieur, I accept, and with gratitude," said Mignonne; "for I have a child, and by giving the mother assurance of a living you benefit the child no less."
I would have liked to shake hands with her; but I restrained myself, and replied, with the same indifferent air:
"In that case, madame, it is all settled, and it rests with you to say when you will enter upon your duties. You will have work enough, I promise you, for it's a long time since my belongings have been put in order."
"Then, monsieur, as I have nothing to do just now, I'll carry a bundle of linen home with me, by your leave. I'll look it over at home, for I have left my daughter with a neighbor, and I don't like to abuse her good nature."
"That's so," said the concierge; "and I ain't very easy in my mind about the actions of my twins and their sister."
"Do as you please, madame. Just open those drawers; you will find the bed and table linen in this closet."
Mignonne opened one of the drawers in the commode, and hastily made up a bundle, which she wrapped carefully in a handkerchief. She was still engaged in that occupation, when I heard my doorbell, and a moment later a familiar voice in the reception room.
"There's no need of announcing me, my boy; I'll go right in without ceremony. A doctor may always go in."
At the same instant, the bedroom door opened and Balloquet appeared.
"Bonjour, my dear fellow!" he said; "I beg your pardon; I interrupt you, perhaps. But if I intrude, tell me so, and I'll go away."