"Yes," answered Herminie, smiling, in spite of herself. "We'll say eight francs, then." "Come, come, M. Bouffard, a wealthy real estate owner like you shouldn't stoop to any such haggling," the marquis interposed. "What! an elector,--perhaps even an officer in the National Guard,--for you seem to me quite equal to such a position--" M. Bouffard straightened himself up proudly, and, making a military salute, responded: "A second lieutenant in the first company of the second regiment of the first batallion, M. le marquis." "All the more reason that you should uphold the dignity of your rank, dear M. Bouffard," replied M. de Maillefort. "That is true, M. le marquis. I said ten francs, and ten francs it shall be. I always honour my signature. I will go and try to find that young coxcomb. He may be hanging around somewhere outside the house now. I'll ask Mother Moufflon, the portress, if she knows anything about him, and tell her to watch out for him. Your servant, M. le marquis. I'll see you again, day after to-morrow, mademoiselle." Then, turning again, just as he reached the door, he said to Herminie: "Mademoiselle, an idea has just occurred to me. You see I'd like to convince the marquis here that Bouffard is not such a bad fellow, after all." "Let us hear the idea, M. Bouffard," said the hunchback. "You see that little garden out there, M. le marquis?" "Yes." "It belongs to the large apartment on this floor. Ah, well, I intend to allow mademoiselle the use of this garden--until the other apartment is rented, at least." "Do you really?" cried Herminie, overjoyed. "Oh, I thank you so much. What pleasure it will give me to walk about in that pretty garden!" But M. Bouffard had already fled, as if his natural modesty forbade his listening to the protestations of gratitude such a generous offer must inspire. [Illustration: "'I Will Go and Try To Find That Young Coxcomb'"] "One has no idea what it costs such people as that to be generous and obliging," remarked the hunchback, laughing.