"Michel!" exclaimed M. de Luceval, in his turn. "Michel Renaud?" "Yes, your cousin. He has a room on the fourth floor, at Number 57. I had just satisfied myself of that fact yesterday when I met you." "And my wife lives on the same floor in the adjoining house," said M. de Luceval. Then, feeling Valentine's arm tremble convulsively, he added: "What is the matter, madame? Are you faint?" "Pardon me, monsieur,--but it--it is the cold, I think,--that--that makes me feel so strangely. I can scarcely stand,--and my head seems to be going around and around." "Have a little courage, madame. Let us try to reach that shop there at the corner of the quay." "I'll try, monsieur," replied Valentine, faintly. She did manage to drag herself to the store designated, which proved to be a grocery store. There was a woman behind the counter, the wife of the proprietor, and she took Madame d'Infreville into a room back of the store, and gave her every possible attention. * * * * * An hour afterwards, when daylight had come, a carriage was sent for, and M. de Luceval took Madame d'Infreville to her home. CHAPTER XIII. TRAVEL UNDER DIFFICULTIES. The events of the morning had upset Madame d'Infreville so completely, and she felt so incapable of coherent thought, that she asked M. de Luceval to return that evening at eight o'clock, so she could have a full explanation with him; so at eight o'clock M. de Luceval sent up his card to Valentine, who had taken a suite of furnished rooms on the Chaussée d'Antin. "How are you feeling this evening, madame?" he inquired, with great interest, when he was admitted into that lady's presence. "Better, much better, monsieur, and I sincerely trust you will pardon my absurd weakness this morning." "Was it not very natural, madame, after so many startling revelations and occurrences?" "Possibly, monsieur; at all events, I felt so bewildered that I was obliged to ask you to return this evening, that we might have the explanation which is now indispensable." "I am at your service, madame." "Will you first permit me to ask you a few questions. I will afterwards answer yours. You told me that you and Florence were divorced, did you not? I was not aware of it before." "That is not strange, for since that unfortunate evening when I met you in my house, neither my wife nor I have heard anything in relation to you." "I will tell you why, monsieur." "I must first explain that, after the terrible scene in which you and M. d'Infreville, and my wife and I, took part, I very naturally felt deeply incensed with you. After your departure, Florence and I had a violent quarrel. She declared that she would not live with me any longer, and that she intended to make her home with you and your mother, that is, of course, if you and M. d'Infreville separated." "Did Florence really intend to do that?"