"Is your benefactress. I have often waited upon her with goods from our warehouse. The day before yesterday, while I was here engaging an apartment on the fourth story, I learned from the portress your cruel position. Knowing this lady's charity, I went to her. She came, so that she might herself judge of the extent of your misfortunes, with which she was painfully moved; but as your situation might be the result of misconduct, she begged of me as soon as possible, to make some inquiries respecting you, as she was desirous of apportioning her benefits according to your deserts." "Good and excellent lady! I had reason to say--" "As you observed to Madeleine: 'If the rich knew,' is it not so?" "How, sir!--you know the name of my wife! Who told you that?" "Since six o' clock this morning," said Rudolph, interrupting Morel, "I have been concealed in the little loft which adjoins your garret." "You, sir!" "Yes, and I have heard all that passed, my honest man." "Oh, sir! but why were you there?" "I could employ no better means of getting at your real character and sentiments. I wished to see and hear all, without your knowledge. The porter had spoken to me of this little nook, and offered it to me that I might keep my wood in it. This morning I requested him to permit me to visit it; I remained there an hour, and I feel convinced that there does not exist a character more worthy, noble, and courageously resigned than yours." "Nay, sir, indeed I cannot see much merit in my conduct; I was born honest, and cannot act otherwise than I have done." "I know it; and for that reason I do not praise your conduct but appreciate it. I had quitted the loft to release you from the bailiffs when I heard your daughter's voice. I wished to leave her the pleasure of saving you; unhappily the rapacity of the bailiffs prevented poor Louise from enjoying so sweet a delight. I then made my appearance. Fortunately, I yesterday recovered several sums of money that were due to me, and I was able to give an advance to your benefactress by paying for you this unfortunate debt. But your misfortunes are so great, so unmerited, so nobly sustained, that the interest felt for you and deserved, will not stop here. I can, in the name of your preserving angel, assure you of future repose with happiness to you and yours." "Is it possible? But at least tell me her name, sir--the name of this preserving angel, as you have called her." "Yes, she is an angel; and you have still reason to say that the great and the lowly have their troubles." "Is this lady, then, unhappy?" "Who is there without their sorrows? But I see no cause to withhold her name. This lady is called--" Remembering that Mrs. Pipelet knew that Lady d'Harville had come to her house to inquire for the Commander, Rudolph, hearing the indiscreet gossiping of the portress, said after a moment's reflection: "I will tell you the name of this lady on one condition--" "Oh, pray, speak, sir!"