"You would not think so, monsieur, if you had seen how indicative of decent poverty the young girl's garments were. She would certainly have been better dressed if she had been a recipient of Madame de Beaumesnil's bounty. In fact, the young artiste, who, by the way, is wonderfully handsome, so excited my compassion and admiration by the delicacy of her conduct that I suggested she should come and give Ernestine music lessons." "You did? Why, that was very noble of you!" "Your astonishment is not very flattering, marquis." "You mistake admiration for astonishment, baroness. I am not surprised in the least. I know the wonderful kindness and gentleness of your heart too well," added M. de Maillefort, concealing his hope that he had at last found the desired clue under his usual persiflage. "Instead of making fun of my kindness of heart, marquis," replied Madame de la Rochaigue, "you ought to imitate it by endeavouring to procure the poor young girl some pupils among your numerous acquaintances." "Certainly," replied the marquis, rather indifferently, however; "I will do the best I can for your protegee, though I am not considered much of a musical connoisseur, I fear. But what is this young girl's name, and where does she live?" "Her name is Herminie, and she lives on the Rue de Monceau. I don't remember the number, but I will ascertain and let you know." "I will secure some pupils for Mlle. Herminie if I can; but, in return, if I should ever ask your protection for some suitor for Mlle. de Beaumesnil's hand,--some suitor whom I see getting the worst of it in the melee, you will grant my request, will you not?" "You set a high value on your services, I must say, marquis," replied the baroness, laughing in a very constrained way; "but I am sure we shall come to an amicable understanding." "You can not imagine how deeply I rejoice in advance at the touching harmony which is henceforth to exist between us, my dear baroness. Well, after all, let us admit that this little orgy of sincerity has been of immense advantage to us. We are full of confidence in each other now, are we not, my dear baroness?" "Unquestionably, and mutual confidence, alas, is so rare!" exclaimed the baroness, with a sigh. "But all the more precious when it is found, eh, my dear baroness?" "Unquestionably, my dear marquis. _Au revoir_, then, if you must go. I shall hope to see you again very soon." "I trust so," responded M. de Maillefort, as he left the room. "Detestable man!" exclaimed Madame de la Rochaigue, springing from the sofa, and beginning to pace the room excitedly, while she gave vent to her long-repressed feelings. "Every word that accursed hunchback uttered contained either a sarcasm or a threat," she added, venomously. "He's a contemptible scoundrel! There isn't the slightest doubt of it," exclaimed the baron, suddenly drawing aside the portieres at one of the doors opening into the drawing-room. CHAPTER XXIII. AN INVOLUNTARY AVERSION.