"Yes, madame, he came to my stand for me; he was all alone."
"What did he say to you?"
"He said—Well! he seems to be very anxious to have a written answer from madame, for he promised me ten francs if I'd bring him just a line."
"Very well; you shall earn your ten francs."
Thélénie took her writing-case and wrote:
"I will receive you at my apartment this evening. But bring the proofs of what you tell me, or you won't leave my house with both your ears."
She handed the note to the messenger, who left the house with a radiant face. He had no sooner gone than the door opened again and Monsieur Beauregard entered the apartment, unannounced. At sight of him, Thélénie turned pale; then she motioned to her friend, saying:
"Go into the salon while I talk with monsieur."
Mademoiselle Héloïse rose and left the room, muttering:
"Well, well! I wonder if this is a brother, too! at all events, he isn't of the same type as the other!"