"I am extremely sorry, monsieur, but this little formality is indispensable. Oh, you must be able to find it. I feel sure that among the relatives of the families into which your family has married--in such questions as these, families are always ready to pull together." "I do not know any one--and the Count de Villacourt will never ask for money. I had just twelve pounds when I arrived. I bought this coat for about two pounds at the Palais Royal on the way here. This hat cost me five and tenpence. I suppose my hotel bill will cost me about a sovereign, and I shall want about a sovereign to get back home. Could you do with what is left?" "I am very sorry, monsieur----" M. de Villacourt put his hat on and left the room. At the hall-door he suddenly turned round, passed through the dining-room and opening the office-door again, he said, in a smothered voice which he was doing his utmost to control: "Can I have the address of M. Henri Mauperin--known as de Villacourt--without paying for it?" "Certainly; he is a barrister. I shall find his address in this book. Here it is; Rue Taitbout--14." It was after all this that M. de Villacourt had hurried away to Henri Mauperin's. XXXVI When Denoisel entered the Mauperins' drawing-room that evening he found every one more gay and cheerful than usual. There was a look of happiness on all the faces; M. Mauperin's good-humour could be guessed by the mischievous twinkle in his eyes. Mme. Mauperin was most gracious, she positively beamed and looked blissfully happy. Renee was flitting about the room, and her quick, girlish movements were so bird-like that one could almost imagine the sound of a bird's wings. "Why, here's Denoisel!" exclaimed M. Mauperin. "Good-evening, m'sieu," said Renee, in a playful tone. "You haven't brought Henri with you?" asked Mme. Mauperin. "He couldn't come. He'll be here the day after to-morrow without fail." "How nice of you! Oh, isn't he a good boy to have come this evening," said Renee, hovering round and trying to make him laugh as though he had been a child. "Oh, he's a bad lot! Ah, my dear fellow--" and M. Mauperin shook hands and winked at his wife. "Yes; just come here, Denoisel," said Mme. Mauperin. "Come and sit down and confess your sins. It appears that you were seen the other day in the Bois--driving----" She stopped a minute like a cat when it is drinking milk. "Ah, now your mother's wound up!" said M. Mauperin to Renee. "She's in very good spirits to-day--my wife is. I warn you, Denoisel." Mme. Mauperin had lowered her voice. Leaning forward towards Denoisel she was telling him a very lively story. The others could only catch a word here and there between smothered bursts of laughter. "Mamma, it's not allowed; that sort of thing--laughing all to yourselves. Give me back my Denoisel, or I'll tell stories like yours to papa."