[CHAPTER IX.]
ECLIPSE.
We have seen how Marius discovered, or fancied he had discovered, that her name was Ursule. Appetite comes while loving, and to know that her name was Ursule was a great deal already, but it was little. In three or four weeks Marius had devoured this happiness and craved another; he wished to know where she lived. He had made the first fault in falling into the trap of the Gladiator's bench; he had committed a second by not remaining at the Luxembourg when M. Leblanc went there alone; and he now committed a third, an immense one,—he followed "Ursule." She lived in the Rue de l'Ouest, in the most isolated part, in a new three-storied house of modest appearance. From this moment Marius added to his happiness of seeing her at the Luxembourg the happiness of following her home. His hunger increased; he knew what her name was, her Christian name at least, the charming, the real name of a woman; he knew where she lived; and he now wanted to know who she was. One evening after following them home, and watching them disappear in the gateway, he went in after them, and valiantly addressed the porter.
"Is that the gentleman of the first floor who has just come in?"
"No," the porter answered, "it is the gentleman of the third floor."
Another step made! This success emboldened Marius.
"Front?" he asked.
"Hang it!" said the porter, "our rooms all look on the street."
"And what is the gentleman?" Marius continued.
"He lives on his property. He is a very good man, who does a deal of good to the unhappy, though he is not rich."