He closed the drawer in a second. He had barely time to seat himself in an arm-chair near his accordion, lying on the floor, when Nichoune entered.
"Good day!" cried she.
Vagualame pretended to wake up with a start.
"Ha, ha! Good day, Nichoune! Tell me, you have not seen Belfort? Eh?"
"How do you know that?" demanded Nichoune, on the defensive. She looked surprised.
"I have just met him.... He told me that he had not come across you at the usual meeting-place."
Nichoune lowered her head.
"I thought I was being followed ... so, as you can understand, I did not go."
"Good! Quite right! After all, it is not otherwise of importance. You must give me back my envelope now!"