Julia, who had followed her conductors without speaking, appeared to examine attentively everything that presented itself to her. Chaudoreille, finding himself near the man with the lantern, uttered a cry of surprise, saying,-- "Why, what the deuce! I can't be mistaken. It is Marcel, one of my old friends. Don't you know me? I am Chaudoreille; we spent six months in prison together, but it was for a mere trifle. I left it as white as snow." "Be silent, idiots," cried the barber; "you can make your greetings a little later. Where is madame's apartment?" "On the first floor," answered Marcel, putting his hand in Chaudoreille's, who shook it as if he had found his best friend. "Lead us," said Touquet, "and you remain here." The latter part of this order was addressed to the chevalier and it did not afford him much pleasure; but he was forced to obey. However, when Chaudoreille perceived that there was no light in the vestibule where they left him, and where he found himself in the most complete obscurity, he ascended several steps of the stairs, crying in a quivering voice,-- "Don't leave me alone here. The night is chilly and I am afraid of taking cold." Marcel led Julia and the barber and, after making them pass through several rooms, lighted only by his lantern, opened a door, saying,-- "Here is the room in which madame can rest herself." Julia could not restrain an exclamation of surprise, and the barber himself was lost in admiration. The room which they had entered was lighted by a lustre hung from the ceiling, and the light of many wax candles permitted one to admire the luxury with which this place was decorated. Delightful paintings of seductive and voluptuous figures ornamented the wainscot. The furniture was upholstered in light blue, where silk and silver were blended with art. There were Venetian glasses, Persian carpets, candelabras in which perfumes were burning, while natural flowers were disposed elsewhere, in pyramids, in crystal vases. The whole combination tended to make a sojourn in this place a delight, for here was united everything that would intoxicate the senses and inspire pleasure. Julia and the barber had entered the lighted room; Marcel remained respectfully at the door and seemed to wait some orders. "This place is delightful," said Julia; "but I do not see the marquis." "You will see him soon, madame," answered Touquet; "in an hour he will be here. While awaiting him you can ask for everything that is agreeable to you. Your desires will be accomplished immediately. This bell communicates with the floor below. Is not that so, Marcel?" "Yes, monsieur, and if madame would like to take something, I have prepared a collation in the little neighboring room."