"My dear sir, do not be too grateful for my visit; a powerful motive brought me to Paris to-day."
"Why, it is true, I had not noticed—you seem to have had some keen disappointment; can I help you in any way?"
"Have you time to listen to me?"
"Always."
Thereupon Monsieur de Brévanne informed Monsieur de Merval that he had found Roncherolle; he described the visit he had paid him, and told him of the useless proceeding which had been the result of his first visit.
"You see," said Monsieur de Brévanne as he finished his narrative, "he has escaped me again; he denies me the satisfaction which I have a right to expect from him; he runs away without leaving his address; he does not want me to find him! What do you think of such conduct?"
Monsieur de Merval shook his head, and after a moment replied:
"Do you desire my real opinion?"
"To be sure."
"Well, if you wish me to tell you my thought, I consider that Roncherolle has done well."