"Ah! here you are, are you, monsieur?" said Rosette. "You're getting to be very rare--very hard to find, for this is the third time I've been here--so help me! I don't know whether your Jocrisse told you?" "My Jocrisse did not tell me." "And madame here has been as many times as I have, it seems, and hasn't had any better luck." "What, Frédérique! you have taken the trouble to come here? I am terribly sorry." Frédérique smiled, but with the mocking expression that I knew so well, saying: "What does it matter that I have been here? You weren't very solicitous about my health, I judge, as you haven't been to inquire about it since the day you left so abruptly. I understand that there is nothing very agreeable in my husband's presence; still, from regard for me, you might have put up with it a little longer." "You see, madame," said Rosette, "monsieur has other intrigues, new passions, beside which my love and your friendship are nothing at all! He hasn't a minute now to sacrifice to us; he passes all his time, all his days, with his new flame on Rue Ménilmontant. She can't be anything very distinguished, living in that quarter; but we must know a little of everything!" I saw that Pomponne had been chattering and inventing fables. "Ah! so you have been told that I go every day to Rue Ménilmontant?" I said, with a tranquillity that seemed to add to their irritation. "Yes, monsieur; to see a young and pretty blonde. You like blondes now, it seems! You like 'em of all colors, don't you?" "And this blonde whom I go to see is my mistress, is she?" "Oh, no! she may be your laundress, who knows? And you go there to watch her iron your shirts! Ha! ha! ha! Why don't you tell us that? it would be more amusing." "I won't tell you that, because I have no reason to lie." "Oh! of course not! To be sure, you're your own master, you can do what you think best. It seems that she came here one day--your blonde--and ran away as if the devil was after her. Oh! how sorry I am I wasn't here that day, when she honored you with a visit! I'd have led her a pretty dance! I'd have sent her mazurking down the stairs! But, who knows? perhaps I shall meet her one of these days. As you pass all your time with her now, it's probable that it will soon be her turn to come here. Just let me meet her! You see, I'm not very gentle when I'm jealous! I'll box that woman's ears; yes, monsieur, yes, I'll box her ears!" I listened to Rosette without winking. Frédérique said nothing, but kept her eyes on me. "You're not so wicked as you try to make people think, Rosette," said I, trying to take her hand, which she snatched away. "If you should find the young woman you speak of here, you would not insult her, I trust; for it would be as absurd as your insulting madame."