"Pray excuse me, madame; I am in fact very busy concerning—er—it's all Freluchon's fault!"
"Come, Chamoureau, let us be off."
And Edmond took the agent away.
The next day, thanks to the young man's activity, all the parties met at the appointed time at the notary's office, and Madame Dalmont became the owner of the little house at Chelles.
A glance from Agathe amply rewarded Edmond for all the trouble he had taken to bring the affair to a speedy conclusion. And Honorine added to his happiness by saying again:
"You will be welcome, monsieur, at that house of which I am now the owner, thanks to your efforts and your kindness."
XVII
ONE OF THE DREGS
The fair Thélénie returned to her apartment, accompanied by her friend Héloïse, about an hour after Chamoureau had taken his leave under Monsieur Beauregard's escort. As she entered the room she tossed aside shawl, hat, gloves and the rest, with the angry gesture characteristic of her. Then she threw herself on a couch, while her friend Héloïse picked up the hat and gloves from the floor, saying:
"You must admit that you take very little care of your things. Such a pretty hat, almost new! and that's the way you treat it! Why, I would make this hat last till June. Bless me! I haven't the means to buy them as often as you do! How much did this one cost? At least fifty-five francs, I'll bet; milliners are getting to be out of reach. Did I guess right?"
"For heaven's sake! Héloïse, let me alone; you must see that I'm out of humor."