The young Abbé rose from his seat. He stopped, and, in negligent tones, said— “Ah! I was forgetting. Have you heard of that frightful catastrophe which took place at Vanves? The explosion even shook the buildings here at Issy. Were you not acquainted with this General de Trémont?” Lichtenbach looked paler and more sombre than ever, as he replied stammeringly— “Yes, Monsieur l’Abbé, I knew him a long time ago.” “It appears he was a dangerous maniac, dabbling with chemical experiments which were destined to kill him in time. A person of doubtful morality as well, according to public rumour, and who, even at his advanced age, gave himself up to the most degrading debauchery. He will not be missed. They say he was assassinated and robbed, before his house blew up. That is what comes of investigating in explosives! Well, _au revoir_, my dear Lichtenbach. When you come to see the patient give me due notice, and I will introduce you to him privately.” Lichtenbach made no reply. He showed out his visitor with a semblance of respectful humility. Then he bowed, as to a superior, and said— “Assure your friends, Monsieur l’Abbé, of my devotion to their interests.” “Good! Though it is scarcely necessary,” replied the young priest, carelessly; and, slowly descending the staircase, he disappeared. Lichtenbach, in thoughtful mood, returned to his study. It was now almost dark. Where the Abbé had just been sitting, a female form now sat stretched out in the armchair. A fresh, clear voice said— “It is as dark as in an oven here, Lichtenbach; let us have a little light.” “What! You are here, Baroness!” exclaimed the banker, eagerly. “Yes, I have just arrived. Was that the little Abbé d’Escayrac you were just taking leave of?” Lichtenbach had turned on the electric light, bringing into view the unceremonious visitor Elias had just called Baroness. She was a light-complexioned young woman, of exceeding beauty, with proud profile, blue eyes, intelligent forehead, though there was an expression of harshness in her small mouth, with its charming red lips, as well as in her strong chin. She was very elegantly clothed in black, and wore a hooded lace cloak. Patent leather shoes covered her charming feet. “Have you been here long?” asked Elias abstractedly. “No, I have only just come, I say. Your servant showed me into the salon, and I came in here when I heard your visitor leave. Do not be uneasy, I was not listening to what he said.” “Oh! I have no need to be on my guard against you.” “Yes, you mistrust me, as you do every one else. I do not blame you for it. It is a sign of prudence. Though, all the same, you have nothing to fear from me, and neither have I from you.” “Oh! Baroness, you know that I belong to you, body and soul,” exclaimed Lichtenbach. “Yes, yes, and you would not be sorry if the converse were true, would you?” interrupted the young woman, with a mocking smile.