d, though, if you please, M.
Rodolph."

"Say it."

"I do not think you are the man to lay a trap, and set the police on the
Schoolmaster. He is an arrant blackguard, who deserves a hundred deaths;
but to have them arrested, that I will not have a hand in."

"Nor I, my boy; but I have a score to wipe off with him and the
Chouette, because they are in a plot with others against me; but we two
will baffle them completely, if you will lend me your assistance."

"Of course I will; and, if that is to be the game, I am your man. But
quick, quick," cried the Chourineur, "down there I see the head of the
Chouette. I know it is her bonnet. Go, go, and I will drop into my
hole."

"To-night, then, at ten o'clock."

"At the corner of the Champs Elysees and the Allee des Veuves; all
right."

Fleur-de-Marie had not heard a word of the latter part of the
conversation between the Chourineur and Rodolph, and now entered again
into the coach with her travelling companion.

CHAPTER X.

CASTLES IN THE AIR.

For some time after this conversation with the Chourineur, Rodolph
remained preoccupied and pensive, while Fleur-de-Marie, too timid to
break the silence, continued to gaze on him with saddened earnestness.
At length Rodolph looked up, and, meeting her mournful look, smiled
kindly on her, and said, "What are you thinking of, my child? I fear our
rencontre with the Chourineur has made you uncomfortable, and we were so
merry, too."

"Oh, no, M. Rodolph, indeed, I do not mind it at all; nay, I even
believe the meeting with the Chourineur may be useful to you."

"Did not this man pass amongst the inhabitants of the _tapis-franc_ as
possessing some good points among his many bad ones?"

"Indeed, I know not, M. Rodolph; for although, previously to the scene
of yesterday, I had frequently seen him, I had scarcely ever spoken to
him. I always looked upon him as bad as all the rest."

"Well, well, do not let us talk any more about him, my pretty
Fleur-de-Marie. I should be sorry, indeed, to make you sad,--I, who
brought you out purposely that you might spend a happy day."

"Oh, I am happy. It is so very long since I have been out of Paris."

"Not since your grand doings with Rigolette."

"Yes, indeed, M. Rodolph; but that was in the spring. Yet, though it is
now autumn, I enjoy it quite as much. How beautifully the sun shines!
Only look at the gold-coloured clouds out there--there, I mean; and then
that hill, with i