By one of those contradictions common to women, and especially to women of her class, this young girl, who until then had not felt for Germain more than her other neighbours, but a kind and mirthful friendship, now experienced for him a decided preference. As soon as she knew that he was unfortunate, unjustly accused, and a prisoner, his remembrance effaced that of all his former rivals. Yet Rigolette did not all at once feel intense love, but a warm and sincere affection, full of pity and determined devotion,--a sentiment which was the more new with her in consequence of the better sensations it brought with it. Such was the moral position of Rigolette when Rodolph entered her chamber, having first rapped very discreetly at the door. "Good morning, neighbour," said Rodolph to Rigolette; "do not let me disturb you." "Not at all, neighbour. On the contrary, I am delighted to see you, for I have had something to vex me dreadfully." "Why, in truth, you look very pale, and appear as though you had been weeping." "Indeed, I have been weeping, and for a good reason. Poor Germain! There--read!" And Rigolette handed the letter of the prisoner to Rodolph. "Is not that enough to break one's heart? You told me you took an interest in him,--now's the time to prove it!" she added, whilst Rodolph was attentively reading the letter. "Is that wicked old M. Ferrand at war with all the world? First he attacked that poor Louise, and now he assails Germain. Oh, I am not ill-natured; but if some great harm happened to this notary, I should really be glad! To accuse such an honest young man of having stolen fifteen thousand francs from him! Germain, too! He who was honesty itself! And such a steady, serious young man; and so sad, too! Oh, he is indeed to be pitied, in the midst of all these wretches in his prison! Ah, M. Rodolph, from to-day I begin to see that life is not all _couleur-de-rose_." "And what do you propose to do, my little neighbour?" "What do I mean to do? Why, of course, all that Germain asks of me, and as quickly as possible. I should have been gone before now, but for this work, which is required in great haste, and which I must take instantly to the Rue St. Honore, on my way to Germain's room, where I am going to get the papers he speaks of. I have passed part of the night at work, that I might be forward. I shall have so many things to do besides my usual work that I must be excessively methodical. In the first place, Madame Morel is very anxious that I should see Louise in prison. That will be a hard task, but I shall try to do it. Unfortunately, I do not know to whom I should address myself." "I had thought of that." "You, neighbour?" "Here is an order." "How fortunate! Can't you procure me also an order for the prison of poor, unhappy Germain? He would be so delighted!" "I will also find you the means of seeing Germain." "Oh, thank you, M. Rodolph." "You will not be afraid, then, of going to his prison?"