He disappeared, running. I examined the article I had purchased: it was a very good umbrella, with a laurel-wood stick; the head was a trefoil with silver trimmings, and the cover dark green silk. After all, I had not made a bad bargain; but I would have been glad not to have it on my hands just then, for the weather was fine, and it makes a man look very foolish to carry an umbrella under such circumstances. But I had my ticket. I entered a café and called for paper and ink. I put the ticket in an envelope, with this superscription: _For Mademoiselle Rosette, at Madame Ratapond's_. I carried the missive myself, for the name Ratapond did not inspire confidence. Moreover, I was not sorry to ask a few questions and find out a little more about Mademoiselle Rosette. I arrived at Rue Meslay, and found the designated number. I passed under a porte cochère and was walking toward the concierge's lodge, when an enormous woman, who reminded me of one of the handsome sappers and miners who change their sex during the Carnival, came toward me from the farther end of the courtyard. "Who do you want to see, monsieur?" she demanded. "Does Madame Ratapond live in this house, madame?" "Yes, monsieur; fifth floor above the entresol, the door opposite the stairs." "I beg your pardon, madame; but what is that lady's business?" As I asked the question, I felt in my pocket and took out a two-franc piece, which I slipped into the hand of the colossus, who instantly assumed a coquettish, mincing air and seemed to diminish in size until she reached my level. "Oh! monsieur," she replied, "Madame Ratapond's a very respectable woman; she sends shawls into the departments and on the railroads." "Has she many workgirls?" "Six, and sometimes more." "Do you know one of them named Mademoiselle Rosette--a pretty brunette, with a shapely, slender figure?" "Oh! yes, monsieur. Mamzelle Rosette! To be sure, I know her; she goes up and down twenty times a day. She often does errands. Does monsieur happen to have brought her a ticket to the theatre? She told me this morning she expected one to-day, but she didn't count much on it." "That is just what I have brought for her." "Oh! won't she be glad, though! I tell you, monsieur, you can flatter yourself you've given her a lot of pleasure. She'll dance for joy when I tell her!" "She doesn't live in the house, does she?" "No, monsieur; she comes about eight o'clock or half-past." "At what time does she go away?" "Why, when the others do. Usually about eight, unless they're working late; then it's as late as ten, sometimes." "Here is the letter, madame, with the ticket; will you be kind enough to hand it to mademoiselle in person?" "Yes, monsieur, I understand. You see, I'm sure it won't be long before she comes in or goes out, and she always speaks to me when she passes." "I rely upon you, then, madame."