But have the
kindness to give the Abbe Busoni"--

"I told you he was not at home," repeated the valet. "Then on his return
give him that card and this sealed paper. Will he be at home at eight
o'clock this evening?"

"Doubtless, unless he is at work, which is the same as if he were out."

"I will come again at that time," replied the visitor, who then retired.

At the appointed hour the same man returned in the same carriage, which,
instead of stopping this time at the end of the Rue Ferou, drove up to
the green door. He knocked, and it opened immediately to admit him.
From the signs of respect the valet paid him, he saw that his note had
produced a good effect. "Is the abbe at home?" asked he.

"Yes; he is at work in his library, but he expects you, sir," replied
the valet. The stranger ascended a rough staircase, and before a table,
illumined by a lamp whose light was concentrated by a large shade while
the rest of the apartment was in partial darkness, he perceived the abbe
in a monk's dress, with a cowl on his head such as was used by learned
men of the Middle Ages. "Have I the honor of addressing the Abbe
Busoni?" asked the visitor.

"Yes, sir," replied the abbe; "and you are the person whom M. de
Boville, formerly an inspector of prisons, sends to me from the prefect
of police?"

"Exactly, sir."

"One of the agents appointed to secure the safety of Paris?"

"Yes, sir" replied the stranger with a slight hesitation, and blushing.

The abbe replaced the large spectacles, which covered not only his eyes
but his temples, and sitting down motioned to his visitor to do the
same. "I am at your service, sir," said the abbe, with a marked Italian
accent.

"The mission with which I am charged, sir," replied the visitor,
speaking with hesitation, "is a confidential one on the part of him
who fulfils it, and him by whom he is employed." The abbe bowed. "Your
probity," replied the stranger, "is so well known to the prefect that he
wishes as a magistrate to ascertain from you some particulars connected
with the public safety, to ascertain which I am deputed to see you. It
is hoped that no ties of friendship or humane consideration will induce
you to conceal the truth."

"Provided, sir, the particulars you wish for do not interfere with
my scruples or my conscience. I am a priest, sir, and the secrets
of confession, for instance, must remain between me and God, and not
between me and human justice."

"Do not alar