“No, I am no angel,” said Auguste, with a smile; “on the contrary, I have all the failings of mortals; but I am happy to be able to assist two unfortunate fellow-creatures so easily.”
“But, monsieur, this is a considerable sum——”
“It is not enough to pay for the lesson you have given me.”
“How so?”
“Adieu, monsieur, it’s very late; get some rest now; you need it, and I trust that it will be of the sweetest.”
“What! you are going to leave us already? Oh! please let me tell my daughter how much I owe you. Allow her too to thank our benefactor. Ah! you don’t know my Anna—as lovely as she is good. The sight of her will bring home to you all that you have done for me by giving me the means to make the dear child happy!”
The old man walked toward the dressing-room, but Auguste stopped him, saying in an undertone:
“Don’t wake her, I beg you. I will see her another time; don’t disturb her sleep.”
“As you insist, monsieur, I obey you; but tell me your name, I pray; let me know to whom I am indebted.”
“I will tell you to-morrow.”