The next morning, Eugénie had news that surprised her, but seemed a happy augury: her cousin had suddenly decided to go home! His departure was announced by Fanny. As long as things remained undecided, and Albert had some hope, Fanny had appeared cross and dissatisfied. But now she made her appearance as she used to be--smiling, chatty, and agreeable, without any one's knowing why. The artful _soubrette_ felt it was high time to change her tactics. In consequence of the blunders Albert had committed, and Eugénie's marked antipathy to him, he would henceforth be blotted out of the list of mademoiselle's admirers. If, therefore, Fanny wished to reinstate herself in her mistress' good graces, if she wished to make sure of that cherished asylum--the object of all her aims for the last ten years--she must pave the way by her subserviency to her future patrons--Eugénie and the husband of her choice, whoever he might be. With a keener eye, or at least bolder, than Eugénie's, Fanny had no doubt it would be Louis. With the assurance of those people who make others forget their faults by appearing to be ignorant of them themselves, Fanny went with a single bound over to the side of the man she regarded as a personal enemy the night before. Eugénie perceived the sudden tack. It greatly amused her, though she pretended not to see it. "Where is my father?" she asked Fanny. "Monsieur is going to town with M. Albert, and also to notify Mr. Louis' family of the misfortune that has happened to him--a painful errand. M. Louis has a father who is greatly attached to him, and a sister who is still fonder of him--a very amiable woman, with a strong mind." "Ah! indeed; where did you learn these particulars?" "Here and there. Mademoiselle knows the good God has given me ears to hear with." "And especially a tongue that can ask questions, Fanny." Eugénie went down to the breakfast-room, where she found the rest assembled. Mr. Smithson wore a cheerful air. Albert was in an ill-humor, which he badly concealed under pretended elation. Mme. Smithson appeared anxious, but Eugénie saw with delight that she was more affectionate towards her than she had been of late. A policeman from St. M---- passed by the window. "What is that policeman here for?" inquired Eugénie. "We had to search Durand's room, my child," replied Mr. Smithson. "The man cheated me in a shameful manner. I have obtained positive proofs of it. We found letters from his wife and other people which prove him utterly heartless and base--in short, one of the most dangerous men I ever saw."