lk to the
barrier, there take a cab, that you may not be too late." The surprised
groom retired. "Let me at least reach a shady spot," said Andrea.

"Oh, as for that, I'll take you to a splendid place," said the man with
the handkerchief; and taking the horse's bit he led the tilbury where
it was certainly impossible for any one to witness the honor that Andrea
conferred upon him.

"Don't think I want the glory of riding in your fine carriage," said he;
"oh, no, it's only because I am tired, and also because I have a little
business to talk over with you."

"Come, step in," said the young man. It was a pity this scene had not
occurred in daylight, for it was curious to see this rascal throwing
himself heavily down on the cushion beside the young and elegant driver
of the tilbury. Andrea drove past the last house in the village without
saying a word to his companion, who smiled complacently, as though
well-pleased to find himself travelling in so comfortable a vehicle.
Once out of Auteuil, Andrea looked around, in order to assure himself
that he could neither be seen nor heard, and then, stopping the horse
and crossing his arms before the man, he asked,--"Now, tell me why you
come to disturb my tranquillity?"

"Let me ask you why you deceived me?"

"How have I deceived you?"

"'How,' do you ask? When we parted at the Pont du Var, you told me you
were going to travel through Piedmont and Tuscany; but instead of that,
you come to Paris."

"How does that annoy you?"

"It does not; on the contrary, I think it will answer my purpose."

"So," said Andrea, "you are speculating upon me?"

"What fine words he uses!"

"I warn you, Master Caderousse, that you are mistaken."

"Well, well, don't be angry, my boy; you know well enough what it is
to be unfortunate; and misfortunes make us jealous. I thought you
were earning a living in Tuscany or Piedmont by acting as facchino or
cicerone, and I pitied you sincerely, as I would a child of my own. You
know I always did call you my child."

"Come, come, what then?"

"Patience--patience!"

"I am patient, but go on."

"All at once I see you pass through the barrier with a groom, a tilbury,
and fine new clothes. You must have discovered a mine, or else become a
stockbroker."

"So that, as you confess, you are jealous?"

"No, I am pleased--so pleased that I wished to congratulate you; but as
I am not quite properly dressed, I chose my opportunity, that I might
not co