The night arrived in due time; Tobie, having become less timid since he had a love affair in prospect, left his lodgings just at dusk. It was only half-past eight, and he was walking slowly in the direction of Place des Italiens, when, at the corner of Rue du Mont-Blanc, his attention was attracted by a lady crossing the street, whose figure resembled that of the person he expected to meet; quickening his pace a little, he soon overtook her, and found that it was, in truth, the sentimental Herminie. He at once approached her and offered his arm, saying: "I was on my way to the rendezvous; you see how zealous I am, for it is not nine o'clock; but it seems that we are equally eager for the meeting." Madame Plays started back, surprised to see a stranger offer her his arm; but in an instant she recognized Pigeonnier, and exclaimed: "What! is it you, monsieur? Are you on your way again to replace your friend--that blackguard Albert? Ah! what a monster that fellow is! how I detest him!" "Why, no, madame; I have come on my own account; I am on my way to the Pâté des Italiens, as you know." "As I know? What difference does it make to me where you are going?" "Why, don't you understand? I was going to the Pâté des Italiens, at the time you mentioned." "Oh! you weary me with your _pâté_, monsieur! I don't understand a word you say." "What, madame! wasn't it you who gave me a rendezvous for this evening, at nine o'clock?" "A rendezvous! I! Why, you're mad, monsieur! I never gave you a rendezvous!" Tobie was petrified; he saw that he had formed false hopes; but, determined to make the most of his meeting with Madame Plays, he rejoined: "I was told that a pretty woman wished to see me. The description which was given me of the person was so seductive--I thought it was you--and notwithstanding the somewhat--er--savage way you treated me the last time I saw you, it made me very happy to think that I was going to see you again." Madame Plays was never insensible to a compliment; she could not help laughing as she glanced at the short, stout youth; then she replied, with an irritated air: "Oh! you're not the one I have a grudge against; but that monster, that ungrateful wretch! Can you conceive such a thing as his making a fool of me again?" "Who, pray?" "Why, Albert, monsieur--your friend Albert." "Oh! Albert--it's so long since I saw him." "Well, I have seen him again, I have had that happiness. I didn't want to receive him, I had given orders that he wasn't to be admitted--and if it hadn't been for that idiot of a Monsieur Plays!" "I am very curious to hear the story." "Very well; I will take your arm, and tell it to you." "Ah! how kind you are!" "And perhaps----" "Perhaps---- Oh! please finish the sentence, divine creature----" "First of all, I want to be revenged on Albert, I give you warning; and the man who should avenge me--oh! I don't know what I would not do for him!"