he friend who commissioned you to inquire choose
a name less common? Duval! every street in Paris has a shop-door over
which is inscribed the name of Duval."

"Quite true, there is the difficulty; however, my dear Lemercier,
pray continue to look out for a Louise Duval who was young and pretty
twenty-one years ago: this search ought to interest me more than that
which I entrusted to you tonight, respecting the pearly-robed lady;
for in the last I but gratify my own whim, in the first I discharge a
promise to a friend. You, so perfect a Frenchman, know the difference;
honour is engaged to the first. Be sure you let me know if you find
any other Madame or Mademoiselle Duval; and of course you remember
your promise not to mention to any one the commission of inquiry you
so kindly undertake. I congratulate you on your friendship for M. de
Rochebriant. What a noble countenance and manner!"

Lemercier returned to the Marquis. "Such a pity you can't dine with us
to-morrow. I fear you made but a poor dinner to-day. But it is always
better to arrange the menu beforehand. I will send to Philippe's
tomorrow. Do not be afraid."

The Marquis paused a moment, and on his young face a proud struggle was
visible. At last he said, bluntly and manfully,

"My dear Frederic, your world and mine are not and cannot be the
same. Why should I be ashamed to own to my old schoolfellow that I am
poor,--very poor; that the dinner I have shared with you to-day is to
me a criminal extravagance? I lodge in a single chamber on the
fourth-story; I dine off a single plat at a small restaurateur's; the
utmost income I can allow to myself does not exceed five thousand francs
a year: my fortunes I cannot hope much to improve. In his own country
Alain de Rochebriant has no career." Lemercier was so astonished by this
confession that he remained for some moments silent, eyes and mouth
both wide open; at length he sprang up, embraced his friend well-nigh
sobbing, and exclaimed, "'Tant mieux pour moi!' You must take your
lodging with me. I have a charming bedroom to spare. Don't say no.
It will raise my own position to say 'I and Rochebriant keep house
together.' It must be so. Come here to-morrow. As for not having
a career,--bah! I and Duplessis will settle that. You shall be a
millionaire in two years. Meanwhile we will join capitals: I my paltry
notes, you your grand name. Settled!"

"My dear, dear Frederic," said the young noble, deeply affected, "on