"In the garden," said Chaudoreille, "but I assure you she is not at all lonely here. It is true that I have chatted with her--" "And who gave you permission to do so? You're very bold to converse with a woman on whom a marquis has laid his eyes." "Yes, I confess that I am very bold--but I believe you say that monseigneur fought a duel; do you know with whom he fought?" "Idiot! Is that our business? Do you suppose I asked him?" "It's true, it's not our business, but--" "You have nothing more to do here, get out." "Do you wish me to take myself off?" "Yes, and immediately." "Without being presented to monseigneur, that is very awkward; but at least--it seems to me that if they have no more need of me they ought to settle with me." "Wait! here are ten more crowns; it's more than you are worth, a hundred times." "Very well, but the rosette and the broken pane of glass--" "Hang it, stupid! you're not satisfied?" "It's all right, it's all right, I'm very well pleased. I mustn't grumble," added Chaudoreille to himself, "he might happen to remember the shaves that I owe him." "Go at once," said the barber, angrily, pointing with his finger to the garden gate. The Gascon hastily thrust the sum which he had received into his purse, and placed the latter carefully in his belt, murmuring,-- "Ten and eight, that's eighteen. By jingo, that will make them stare at the gambling place in the Rue Vide-Gousset and at the bank of the Rue Coupe-Gorge." Then he shook Marcel's hand, and wrapping himself in his mantle left by the middle gate, which was hardly wide enough for him since he possessed eighteen crowns. The barber hastened to acquit himself of the commission with which his master had charged him, that he might return promptly to his house and be there on the arrival of his customers. He walked hurriedly through the garden, and soon met Julia, who felt her hope vanish when she perceived him. "Madame," said Touquet, bowing to the young girl, "the marquis' conduct doubtless seems to you rather extraordinary, but you will excuse him when you learn that he fought a duel last night in the grand Pre-aux-Clercs and was wounded." "He is wounded," said Julia, with emotion, "and dangerously?" "No, madame, it is a very little thing, an arm only. Monsieur le marquis made this event known to me at break of day and ordered me to come and tell you. He hoped to be very soon recovered, and able within four or five days to come and excuse himself; but, if you are wearied in this place, you are free to return to your shop. I will go and warn you when--" "No," said Julia, interrupting him brusquely; "do you imagine I can return to the dwelling I have left? I will wait for the marquis." "You are the mistress, and they have orders to satisfy your slightest wishes." The barber bowed to Julia, and having given Marcel the marquis' orders, left the little house and returned to his home.