The barber appeared so sincere in pronouncing these words that Urbain repented of having suspected him. "Forgive me," said he, "for daring to think--but you would not make us unhappy. You have given me Blanche, you have been to her as a father. Oh, you will join with me, will you not, in endeavoring to find her ravishers?" "Yes," answered Touquet in a low tone, "I shall second you, I promise you." "And the name of that man, you must know it?" "I never dreamt of asking him his name. Yesterday, on my showing him immediately that his love for Blanche was a folly, he retired, making many threats to which I paid little attention." "Who could have given him the information which led him to wish to see her? and how could he get into Blanche's room?" "A few false keys would be sufficient for that, and in this city, you know, nobody is safe in his own house." Urbain remained silent for some moments and the barber avoided his looks; finally the bachelor exclaimed,-- "Good-by, monsieur, I am going to seek for her whom you gave me to be my bride." "May you be successful," answered the barber in a gloomy voice, as Urbain abruptly departed, thinking of nothing but Blanche, but not knowing where to direct his steps. Urbain went first to the different gates of Paris; there he demanded if during the previous night anyone had seen a young woman pass, and gave a description of her. He was sure that everybody would notice Blanche, and that her charming features would fix themselves upon the memory; but he did not obtain the slightest information, they hardly answered him. His simple costume prevented their putting themselves out to oblige him, for in the good old times, as well as today, it was necessary to scatter gold in order to expedite any business. "If all these people could know Blanche," said Urbain, "they would not show so much indifference." Not daring to leave Paris without having some indication as to the way that he should take, Urbain continued to walk as chance led him in the capital, though the inhabitants had for some time retired to rest. Thieves, lovers, and soldiers of the watch, alone showed themselves in the gloomy streets of Paris. The young bachelor traversed many streets without meeting anybody, but he still walked on, saying,-- "Why should I go in, I could not sleep, and what could I do with myself at home?"