Luckily, my purse was well filled, for I had come out with anticipations of an intrigue. I put eighty francs in Ballangier's hand. The money had been intended for another purpose; but I began to think that it was better employed so. I said adieu to Ballangier, who reiterated his oath to turn over a new leaf, and I went home. I had an idea that it was Madame Dauberny who had paid Piaulard and offered money to Ballangier. Why did she do it? A strange woman that, whom I would have liked right well to understand. XXX CONFIDENCE IS OF SLOW GROWTH Madame Sordeville's behavior after my encounter with Ballangier left me in a morose and melancholy humor, which I was unable to overcome for several days. I would have been glad to see Madame Dauberny, to divert my thoughts. If, while losing my hold upon a pretty woman, I had found a sincere friend, I certainly should not have lost by the exchange. But how was I to see Frédérique? Where could I meet her? Surely I could not go to her house! Strangely enough, I had succeeded in closing the doors of both those ladies; and what had I done to bring about that result? After all, I had no proof that it was Frédérique who had paid Monsieur Piaulard. To write to her on that subject would be a great blunder, even if I were not mistaken; so I concluded to wait until chance should bring us together. One morning Pomponne appeared, with the mysterious air which he deemed it fitting to assume, even when he brought me my coat. He leaned over me and said in a low tone: "Monsieur, that woman who came here some time ago, with something in her apron that I couldn't see--she is outside; she wants to know if she can speak to monsieur." "What woman? I don't know what you're talking about." "She said: 'Ask your master if he will see Madame Potrelle.'" "Madame Potrelle! Idiot! why didn't you tell me her name at once? Certainly I will see her; show her in." Pomponne seemed sorely perplexed; but he went to the door and said: "You may come in, Madame Potrelle!" The concierge from Rue Ménilmontant made her appearance, courtesying profusely. She had her apron rolled up against her breast as before; which fact led me to think that she had again taken the opportunity to give one of her cats a little outing. I motioned to Monsieur Pomponne to withdraw; which he did regretfully, after a piercing glance at the concierge's apron. "Excuse me for disturbing you, monsieur," said Madame Potrelle, unrolling her apron, in which, instead of a cat, I discovered several waistcoats and remnants of material. "I've brought back the work you gave my young tenant; it's been done more'n three weeks now; and, you see, when I found you didn't come again---- Do you know it's more'n two months since you sent Madame Landernoy this work?" "What? is it really so long as that, Madame Potrelle? I am too negligent altogether. But I have had many things on my mind since, and I may as well admit frankly that I had forgotten my waistcoats."