"Despite my failings, monsieur, I have always been careful of my honor; I have thrown away my fortune, but at least I have no reason to reproach myself for failing to keep my engagements. Two years ago I met a man whom I had known in my prosperous days; he came to me and called me his friend as of old. I told him my troubles; he placed his purse at my disposal and lent me twelve hundred francs. 'You may take your own time about paying me,' he said. Alas! a long illness prevented me from earning anything; however, my creditor made no demand on me, but the excellent man, who is in business now, was unfortunate himself and lost heavily by several failures. Two months ago he came to ask me if I could repay him, but it was impossible. He did not reproach me, and he did not come again; but I learned yesterday that a heartless creditor of his had caused his imprisonment for a bill of one thousand francs. That news made me desperate. If I had paid my debt, that honest man would still be at liberty! Alas! I have brought misfortune upon everybody who has taken an interest in me! My Anna deprives herself of everything for her father's sake.--Ah! monsieur, ought I still to cling to an existence which is a weary burden to me?" Auguste took out his wallet and took from it three one thousand-franc notes, which he placed in the old man's hand, saying: "Pay the twelve hundred francs that you owe, and with what is left buy a small shop for your daughter. I am sure that happier days are in store for you." The old man could not determine whether he was the dupe of a dream. What had happened to him seemed so extraordinary, that he dared not give way to his delight. He looked first at Dalville, then at the bank-notes which he had put in his hand, and could only falter: "Great God! is it possible? Such unforeseen good-fortune! Excellent young man!--Pardon me, monsieur! Why, you are an angel sent to us from heaven!" "No, I am no angel," said Auguste, with a smile; "on the contrary, I have all the failings of mortals; but I am happy to be able to assist two unfortunate fellow-creatures so easily." "But, monsieur, this is a considerable sum----" "It is not enough to pay for the lesson you have given me." "How so?" "Adieu, monsieur, it's very late; get some rest now; you need it, and I trust that it will be of the sweetest." "What! you are going to leave us already? Oh! please let me tell my daughter how much I owe you. Allow her too to thank our benefactor. Ah! you don't know my Anna--as lovely as she is good. The sight of her will bring home to you all that you have done for me by giving me the means to make the dear child happy!" The old man walked toward the dressing-room, but Auguste stopped him, saying in an undertone: "Don't wake her, I beg you. I will see her another time; don't disturb her sleep." "As you insist, monsieur, I obey you; but tell me your name, I pray; let me know to whom I am indebted." "I will tell you to-morrow."