“You made a terrible mistake in not coming to my master earlier, for there had been then so much talk that the matter had reached the ears of the police.” “But for all that, if M. Mascarin pleased----” “He does please, my good woman, and is quite willing to serve you. I am sure that he will manage to break the inquiry; or if it must go on, he has several witnesses who will depose in your favor; but, you know, he gives nothing for nothing, and must have implicit obedience.” “Good, kind man that he is, my husband and I would go through fire and water for him, while my daughter, Euphenice, would do anything in the world for him.” Tantaine recoiled uneasily, for the old woman’s gratitude was so demonstrative that he feared she was about to embrace him. “All you have to do is to stick firmly to what you have said about Paul,” continued he, when he found himself at a safe distance; “and if ever you breathe a word of what you have been doing, he will hand you over to the law, and then take care of Article 386.” It was evident that this portion of the Code, that had reference to the robbery of masters by servants, struck terror into the woman’s soul. “If I stood on the scaffold,” said she, “I would tell the story about M. Paul exactly as I have been taught.” Her tone was so sincere, that Tantaine addressed her in a kindlier voice. “Stick to that,” said he, “and I can say to you, ‘Hope.’ Upon the day on which the young man’s business is settled you will get a paper from me, which will prove your complete innocence, and enable you to say, ‘I have been grossly maligned.’” “May the dear young man’s business be settled sharp,” said she. “It will not be long before it is so; but, remember, in the meantime you must keep an eye upon him.” “I will do so.” “And, remember, report to me whoever comes to see him, no matter who it may be.” “Not a soul can go upstairs without my seeing or hearing him.” “Well, if any one, save the master, Dr. Hortebise, or myself comes, do not lose a moment, but come and report.” “You shall know in five minutes.” “I wonder if that is all I have to say?” mused Tantaine. “Ah! I remember: note exactly the hour at which this young man comes and goes. Do not have any conversation with him; answer all questions he addresses you with a simple ‘Yes,’ or ‘No,’ and, as I said before, watch his every movement.” And Tantaine turned to go away, paying no attention to the woman’s eager protestations. “Keep a strict watch,” were his last words, “and, above all, see that the lad gets into no scrape.”