"Second floor, second door on the right."
"Do you think that I shall find him?"
"Certainly, monsieur; for I just left him, and he was just going to get up."
"Thanks! Pardon me, madame; a word or two more, if you please."
"As many as you want, monsieur; I'm in no hurry."
"I would be glad, madame, to obtain some information about this gentleman: to know who he is, and what he does."
"Mon Dieu! it won't take long to tell you; he don't do anything, he lives on his income; he's a man who used to be very rich, and who did as so many others do—ran through his fortune with fast women; now, he's on his uppers; for I guess the income isn't very heavy!"
"Exceedingly obliged, madame."
Monléard left Madame Louchard, and went up to Cherami's room. That worthy was dressing behind his screen; but as it barely reached his shoulders, he was perfectly able to see anybody who came in, and could converse over the leaves of the article of furniture which encompassed him.
"Monsieur Arthur Cherami?" said the fashionably dressed young man as he entered.