"And on the piano, too, M. le marquis. He's a six-footer, with a big, black moustache, and hands as big as--as shoulders of mutton. But this famous teacher costs like the devil,--fifteen francs a lesson, to say nothing of the repairs to the piano, which he almost hammers to pieces, he is so strong. Now if mademoiselle here would give Cornelia lessons at five--no, say four francs a lesson, and three lessons a week,--that would make twelve francs a week,--she could soon pay me what she owes me, and afterwards could pay her entire rent that way." "Bravo, M. Bouffard!" cried the marquis. "Well, what do you think of my proposition, mademoiselle?" "I accept it most gratefully, and thank you with all my heart for this chance to free myself of my obligations to you in such an easy way. I assure you that I will do everything possible to further your daughter's progress." "Oh, that will be all right, I'm sure. It is understood, is it? Three lessons a week, at four francs a lesson, beginning day after to-morrow. That will be twelve francs a week,--better call it ten, I guess,--it's easier to calculate. Ten francs a week makes forty francs a month,--quite a snug little sum." "Any terms you choose to name will suit me, monsieur. I accept them gratefully." "Ah, well, my dear sir," said the marquis, turning to M. Bouffard, "aren't you much better satisfied with yourself now than you were awhile ago, when you were frightening this poor child nearly to death by your threats?" "That's a fact, monsieur,--that's a fact, for this young lady is certainly deserving. Then, too, I shall get rid of that odious music master, with his big, black moustache and fifteen franc lessons. Besides, he is always having his big hands on Cornelia's hands to show her the fingering, he says, and I don't like it." "My dear M. Bouffard," said the marquis, taking the ex-grocer a little aside, "will you allow me to give you a word of advice?" "Why certainly, M. le marquis." "Never give masters to a young girl or a young woman, because sometimes, you see, there is a change of roles." "A change of roles, M. le marquis?" repeated M. Bouffard, wonderingly. "Yes; not unfrequently the scholar becomes the mistress,--the mistress of the master. Understand?" "The mistress of the master? Oh, yes, very good! I understand perfectly. That is good; very good, indeed! Ha, ha, ha!" Then, suddenly becoming serious, he added: "But now I think of it, if that Hercule de Tonnerriliuskoff undertakes--" "Mlle. Bouffard's virtue must be above suspicion, my dear sir; still, it might be safer--" "The brigand shall never set foot in my house again. Thanks for your counsel, M. le marquis." Then, returning to Herminie, M. Bouffard added: "So we will begin day after to-morrow at two o'clock; that is Cornelia's hour." "At two o'clock, then. I will be punctual, I promise you." "And at ten francs a week?" "Yes, monsieur, and even less, if you say so." "Would you come for eight?"