face, as leaden-tinted as that of a confirmed absinthe-drinker.
His general expression was shrewd, and at the same time impudent, and
surprising audacity gleamed in his eyes. "What do you want?" asked M.
Casimir.

The young fellow bowed humbly, and replied, "Ah, don't you recognize
me, monsieur? I'm Toto--excuse me--Victor Chupin, employed by M. Isidore
Fortunat."

"Oh, yes. I recollect."

"I came, in obedience to my employer's orders, to inquire if you had
obtained the information you promised him; but seeing that something had
happened at your house, I didn't dare go in, but decided to watch for
you----"

"And you did quite right, my lad. I have no information to give you--ah,
yes! stop! The Marquis de Valorsay was closeted with the count for two
hours yesterday. But what good will that do? The count has been taken
suddenly ill, and he will scarcely live through the night."

Victor Chupin was thunderstruck. "Impossible!" he cried. "Is it for him
that the straw has been strewed in the street?"

"It's for him."

"What a lucky fellow! No one would go to such expense for me! But I have
an idea that my guv'nor will hardly laugh when I tell him this. Still,
thank you all the same, m'sieur, and au revoir." He was darting off when
a sudden thought detained him. "Excuse me," said he, with conjuror
like volubility; "I was so horrified that I forgot business. Tell
me, m'sieur, if the count dies, you'll take charge of the funeral
arrangements, won't you? Very well; a word of advice then. Don't go to
the regular undertakers, but come to me: here's my address"--proffering
a card--"I will treat with the undertakers for you, and take charge of
everything. It will be much better and far cheaper for you, on account
of certain arrangements I've made with these parties. Everything, to the
very last plume, is warranted to give perfect satisfaction. Each item
will be specified in the bill, and can be verified during the ceremony,
no payment exacted until after delivery. Well, is it understood?"

The valet shrugged his shoulders. "Nonsense!" said he, carelessly; "what
is all that to me?"

"Ah! I forgot to mention that there would be a commission of two hundred
francs to divide between us."

"That's consideration. Give me your card, and rely on me. My compliments
to M. Fortunat, please." And so saying, he re-entered the house.

Victor Chupin drew a huge silver watch from his pocket and consulted
it. "Five minutes to eight," he