The Citizeness Privat smiled faintly. "I see you wonder what I have to do with the tribunal," she said; "I merely go there in the afternoon at dark and clean up the rooms. There are many of them, and as I am the only person employed to look after them, they get into a dreadful state of disorder and dirt." Here the citizeness was taken with a fit of coughing. Edmé thrust the card mechanically into her pocket, and ran to fetch a glass of water. "You are very good to me," said she faintly as soon as she could speak. "I turned you away," a slight flush coming to her cheek. "Believe me, it was not my heart that spoke when I told you that I could not let you have the lodging; I was merely obeying the commands of the owner, who allows me my bare rent for my services. He is very strict, but at the risk of incurring his displeasure, I shall refuse to let you go after this kindness." "Do not fear; do not trouble about that," replied Mademoiselle de Rochefort quietly, "but tell me more about your work in the tribunal. Is it that which has worn you so?" "No, it is not so wearing, only I am far from strong, and sometimes I get so fatigued. My brother, who is a turnkey in the conciergerie, obtained this employment for me, as it was thought I could do it; but I fear I shall have to give it up." Edmé smoothed the counterpane. "Do not worry," she said gently, "but go to sleep now. We will remain here until you are better." The citizeness smiled faintly, her lips moved as if in apology; then she fell into a quiet sleep. Agatha turned to her mistress. "Go into the next room, mademoiselle, and rest there. I will watch over this sick woman." "I cannot rest, dear Agatha; I have something else to do, but you must stay here until I return." "Where are you going?" "To the Luxembourg." "Not now, mademoiselle; wait--I will accompany you." "No, Agatha, I prefer to go alone; you must remain here until I come back," commanded Edmé. Agatha knew it would be useless for her to remonstrate further, so she resumed her place by the bedside, and with the greatest anxiety saw her mistress leave the house, and, passing by the window, disappear up the street. CHAPTER XXII CITIZENESS PRIVAT'S CARD "How does one obtain admission to visit a prisoner, citizen doorkeeper?" "How does one obtain permission?" repeated the keeper without looking up from the work with which he was occupied. "One waits in that room," and he gave a wave of the pen, "until the proper hour, then if one passes satisfactorily under the inspection of the chief prison-keeper and everything appears to be quite regular, one is allowed to see and converse with the prisoner for a short time." "I wish to see some one here. Pray tell me where I shall find the chief keeper?"